Refillable container for cosmetic product contained in a pan, with recessed lid

ABSTRACT

The container for cosmetic product, refillable and suitable for use on the go, includes a base housing a fixed interior wall arrangement in which is embedded a removable pan containing the product. An upper opening of the wall arrangement is delimited by a peripheral edge which rises from a partitioning side wall to a peripheral wall of the base. The flat lid of the container, hermetically covering this opening, is kept closed, for example when an associated perpendicular rod passing axially through the edge is in the position of maximum insertion. Inside the base, a complementary cavity adjacent to the compartment receiving the pan forms and/or houses a gripping system, making a side wall of the pan accessible, which allows selective extraction of the pan via the top when the lid is in the open position. The container may form a child receptacle embedded in the cap of a parent receptacle.

FIELD

This disclosure relates to the field of containers for cosmetic products.

BACKGROUND

A container for cosmetic products and accessories is known from document US10398206, comprising a body intended to receive cosmetic accessories, and a cap comprising several reservoirs intended to receive cosmetic products. The compartments of the cap are interconnected by means of a rod, itself fixed to a spring imposing a downward vertical movement, in order to create vertical tension between the compartments enabling them to remain in an open or closed position. The compartments can be moved between the open and closed position by rotation around the rod, and the lid opens and closes by means of a hinge.

One of the disadvantages of the cap of this container is that its size due to the opening/closing system is too great. This limits its attraction and, moreover, the cap is not very suitable for use on the go, for example for carrying in a handbag.

Another disadvantage lies in the lack of practicality of the cap, which is not very compatible with the steps of refilling with cosmetic product. Furthermore, a seal is not obtained when the cap is closed.

There is therefore a need for a refillable container for cosmetic product, allowing good preservation of the product, of optimized size, and with practical opening/closing features that are well integrated.

SUMMARY

In order to improve the situation, a refillable container for cosmetic product is proposed, comprising:

-   a base provided with a peripheral wall which defines an inside     volume by extending in a longitudinal direction from a bottom to an     open top of the container, -   a pan containing the product, housed entirely within a receiving     space which is a sub-space of the inside volume, -   an insert provided with a side wall defining the receiving space for     the pan, and also provided with a peripheral edge, the insert     mounted in the inside volume providing a recess, with the product     being accessible only through an upper opening of the insert     surrounded by the peripheral edge which extends for example radially     outwards from an upper end of the side wall, -   a lid, movable relative to the base and to the insert between a     closed position, in which the lid prevents access to the cosmetic     product by closing off the upper opening, and an open position, in     which the cosmetic product is accessible via the upper opening; -   an opening/closing system, typically arranged entirely within the     inside volume at least in the closed position, and able to cause the     lid to transition between the open position and the closed position;     and -   within the inside volume, at least one additional recess or cavity     of the insert, provided adjacent to the receiving space and suitable     for forming and/or housing a pan gripping system, preferably     suitable for gripping a side wall of the pan, which allows removal     of the pan from the receiving space when the lid is in the open     position, whereby the pan is removably fixed in the insert while     being selectively removable, axially via the top of the container.

The pan may be received snugly, typically with a tight fit of the side wall of the pan and without radial mobility within the receiving space, the insert covering for example the entire side wall of the pan while surrounding the pan. Typically, the side wall of the pan is substantially parallel to the side wall of the insert, which makes it possible to optimize the capacity for cosmetic product.

The pan may be hidden by the insert or rendered almost invisible, for example when viewed from above, in its embedded configuration. The gripping system provides accessibility to the side wall of the pan despite the pan being fixed in the insert, typically with a tight fit against the side wall of the insert. The gripping system thus forms a gripping-assistance means.

In some exemplary embodiments, one or more depression(s), cavity(ies), or accesses are defined in the insert or in the immediate vicinity of the insert. This type of depression(s) or cavity(ies) is sufficient:

-   either for gripping the pan directly, for example when an outlet for     direct access to these cavities from above is provided, -   or to enable moving the pan in order to partially disengage it from     its receiving space, by combining this type of depression(s) or     cavity(ies) with direct or indirect actuation. Such actuation may be     direct, typically manual by a pushing action, for example by tilting     the pan within a cavity by acting on the top of the pan (action     exerted on the pan from above), possibly by the base if a     through-hole allows direct access below the pan. Such actuation may     alternatively be indirect, exerted for example from below, with a     pushing mechanism, where appropriate by overcoming a return force,     or even by means of a specific actuation of the already-open lid,     possibly by using the rotation of a rod rotationally integral with     the lid.

Preferably, the lid may be of the captive type, for example being rigidly/fixedly attached to a rod passing through the peripheral edge of the insert and retained in a side compartment (offset to one side relative to the inside space for the pan), which is a sub-volume of the inside volume defined by the peripheral wall of the base.

With such arrangements, the container can enable replacement of the pan while presenting an optimized integration of functions inside an appropriate decorative presentation, these functions being gathered together within the inside volume of the base which may possibly form a outer wall of the container. The next two assembly steps can be simple, typically by direct/axial nesting: inserting the pan into the insert (which may be created as one piece or may constitute a preassembled unit) which is capable of directly supporting the lid, where appropriate by using a rod secured to the closure portion of the lid, on the one hand, and inserting the insert into the base on the other hand.

In some embodiments, the base defines the total height of the container and/or the base alone defines the dimensions of the container. The lid is of the type with solid and flat walls, with - in the sealing area or portion fitted to the upper opening in the closed position - a maximum thickness or height of the lid which is typically less than 9 mm. Also, the maximum height of the container may be less than or equal to 30 mm, preferably less than or equal to 20 or 25 mm.

The cosmetic product contained in the pan is for example solid or pasty, not fluid.

The mounting of the insert in the base may correspond to a forced interlocking, by elastic nesting, and/or optionally with rotation to lock the fixed final position of the insert. The mounting of the pan may be provided so as to not involve rotation, typically in the absence of a gripping protrusion provided in the pan, in particular in the absence of an axial protrusion beyond the plane of the upper opening.

According to one feature, the peripheral edge of the insert is annular and extends radially from the upper end of the side wall to the peripheral wall of the base. This peripheral edge may have an annular upper surface that inclines upwards, preferably continuously, from an inner circumference of the peripheral edge which is preferably adjacent to an upper edge of the side wall of the pan. In this manner, it is for example possible:

-   to embed the pan entirely (complete embedment) in the insert,     without protruding axially upwards beyond the upper surface (of the     peripheral edge); -   and/or to retain the lid in the closed position by a restraint     system, within the inside volume, with a contact portion of the lid     resting axially on the upper surface.

In practice, in preferred options, the pan may be difficult to grasp by its outer periphery due to its nested and recessed configuration in the insert without protruding beyond the upper annular surface of the insert (no protrusion relative to any region of the upper surface of the peripheral edge).

It is permitted to mount the pan axially in the receiving space. The pan gripping system, which does not interfere with this simple installation, allows the pan to be removed from the receiving space. For this purpose, the use of recess(es) in the insert, offset laterally and/or under the pan receiving space, makes it possible to assist with/facilitate the lifting of the pan and/or facilitates access to an upper portion of the pan wall.

The restraint system may be intended to force the lid into the closed position, so that the lid cannot move from the closed position to the open position without a driving force being exerted on an external/accessible portion of the lid.

According to one feature, the annular upper surface may be formed by a masking plate, removable relative to a fixed portion of the insert which comprises the side wall, the gripping system extending entirely under the plate. Additionally or alternatively, the pan gripping system comprises a pan gripping area formed by a space between the peripheral edge of the insert and the receiving space.

According to another aspect, a refillable container for cosmetic product is proposed comprising:

-   a base provided with a peripheral wall which defines an inside     volume by extending in a longitudinal direction from a bottom to an     open top of the container, -   a pan containing the product, housed entirely within a receiving     space which is a sub-space of the inside volume, -   a side wall defining the receiving space for the pan, -   a peripheral edge, the product being accessible only through an     upper opening surrounded by the peripheral edge which extends     radially outwards from an upper end of the side wall, -   a lid, movable relative to the base and to the peripheral edge     between a closed position, in which the lid prevents access to the     cosmetic product by closing off the upper opening, and an open     position, in which the cosmetic product is accessible via the upper     opening; -   an opening/closing system, arranged entirely within the inside     volume at least in the closed position, and able to cause the lid to     transition between the open position and the closed position; and -   within the inside volume, at least one recess or cavity provided     adjacent to the receiving space and which is suitable for forming     and/or housing a pan gripping system, preferably suitable for     gripping a side wall of the pan, which allows removal of the pan     from the receiving space when the lid is in the open position,     whereby the pan is removably fixed in a receiving portion including     the side wall while being selectively removable, axially via the top     of the container.

In some embodiments of the container for which the receiving portion or the insert constitutes or includes a fixed portion defining the receiving space, one or more of the following arrangements may be used:

-   the fixed portion of the insert or of the receiving portion has one     or more axial depressions, constituting the at least one additional     recess or cavity. -   the plate closes off an axial outlet at the top of each of the     depressions. -   each depression is formed in the peripheral edge and is accessible     from above in order to form a gripping area that is part     of/participates in the pan gripping system. -   each axial depression is arranged to have its outlet lead radially     inwards, opening into the receiving space so that the side wall of     the pan is accessible via the corresponding gripping area when the     lid is in the open position. -   each depression may have a depth greater than or equal to 8 mm with     a radial extension typically greater than 10 mm, which can allow the     passage of a fingertip. -   once the plate has been removed, the cross-sectional area of the     upper axial access or outlet of each depression may be greater than     150 mm² for example, preferably greater than or equal to 250 mm². -   the masking plate has an opening of the same diameter as a diameter     of the side wall of the pan, so as to axially cover the side wall of     the pan from above, typically also covering a continuous annular     portion of a region of the fixed portion of the insert which is part     of the peripheral edge. -   the fixed portion of the insert includes a rigid flange of the     insert, of annular shape. -   the masking plate is reversibly fixed to the flange by means of a     protrusion able to be clipped into a hole of the flange and an     additional retaining means, preferably in the form of a bead,     cooperating with a cavity of the insert.

In some options, the insert has one or more depressions, advantageously axial, constituting the at least one additional recess or cavity, each depression being directly accessible from above as soon as the lid is opened. Each depression may be of the aforementioned type, making it possible to form a gripping area that is part of the pan gripping system, its outlet preferably being radially inward.

In some embodiments of the container with a locally deeper recess of the insert or similar configuration to allow movement/tilting of the pan, one or more of the following arrangements are provided:

-   the pan is configured to rest, opposite to the upper opening, on a     support portion, preferably part of the receiving portion or the     insert, at a first distance from a bottom wall of the container. -   the at least one additional recess or cavity of the receiving     portion or associated with this receiving portion includes a     sub-cavity in the receiving space, this sub-cavity being off-center     under the pan (the sub-cavity may be delimited by the insert which     is mounted on the base and/or by the base). -   the outlet of the sub-cavity is at the top (such sub-cavity opening     upwardly), an upper outlet defined by an end edge of the support     portion, such that the pan received in the receiving space is able     to engage in the sub-cavity (there is thus a locally deeper recess     at the sub-cavity, onto which the receiving space is superimposed). -   the pan can be partly engaged/tilted/moved into the sub-cavity, in     order to tilt it with a lowering of a first portion of the pan at     the sub-cavity side, preferably with the pan’s bottom wall pressing     on the end edge, and a simultaneous raising of a second portion of     the pan that is opposite to the first portion. -   the pan is held at the first distance from the wall of the bottom     wall of the container by a supporting internal edge or protrusion     provided on the side wall (for example formed in the insert) so as     to protrude internally at said upper outlet of the sub-cavity and/or     located at the same level (at the same first distance from the     bottom wall of the container) as the support portion. -   the supporting protrusion projects radially inwards by a small     amount, for example less than or equal to 4 mm, which allows the pan     to tilt if an axial thrust is exerted on a side or portion of the     pan not supported by the support portion (driving force selectively     exerted from above/in vertical alignment with the sub-cavity);     conversely, in the absence of a downward driving force exceeding a     threshold and exerted selectively on the side where it can tilt     towards the bottom of the container, the pan is kept supported in     the receiving space, typically with its side wall remaining parallel     to the side wall of the insert.

In some embodiments of the container with an additional hole or access, typically in the base, accessible from the side opposite to the upper opening, one or more of the following arrangements may be used:

-   the insert has a through-hole, opening onto a bottom of the     container on the one hand and into said receiving space (receiving     compartment) on the other hand. -   all or part of the gripping system is housed in the through-hole. -   the gripping system comprises or constitutes a combination or     assembly which is movably mounted in the insert to enable the pan to     be moved towards a raised position relative to the insert. -   the gripping system having a movable support or contact portion     (contact with the pan), operable by a pusher member so as to support     the pan from below. -   the pusher member may be accessible via the bottom of the container     and operable by pushing, typically by a first driving force to allow     raising the pan above the upper opening. -   the gripping system further comprises a return member, preferably a     bistable spring, interposed between the pusher member which     forms/includes an external bottom surface of the container, and a     plate, perforated or not, constituting the movable support. -   the return member has a fixed portion resting on an axial abutment     that is part of the insert which is fixed in the base. -   the gripping system has a low initial position, preferably offset     downwards relative to the receiving space, in which the pan is not     accessible from above, the return member having a movable portion     urging the pusher member towards lower outlet of the through-hole. -   in response to a first upward press (first driving force), the     pusher member is configured to cause the plate to rise so that the     pan is accessible (pan partially protruding with the gripping system     in the high position), and to reposition the gripping system in the     initial/lower position in response to a second upward press (second     driving force) on the pusher member.

In some embodiments, one or more of the following arrangements are provided, which allow assisting with the gripping of the pan via a lifting effect on a support region of the pan:

-   the lid comprises a rod located at the rear of the lid and which     defines an axis received through a hole in the peripheral edge. -   in the open position, the lid and the rod are able to be rotated     about the axis of the rod which is an axis of rotation of the lid. -   the rod carries an actuator for partial protrusion of the pan, such     as a cam. -   the gripping system comprises a lower cavity placed directly under     the receiving space and an internal opening of the insert which     places the lower cavity in communication with the receiving space. -   a guide edge which delimits part of the internal opening, the guide     edge possibly for example being part of the insert while being fixed     relative to the base. -   a cam is carried by the rod and is integral in rotation with the     lid. -   the cam is typically flat along a plane perpendicular to the rod,     having a circumference that is non-circular. -   the cam is preferably connected to a lower end of the rod. -   a cam follower arranged in the internal opening of the insert and     configured to move transversely to the rod in order to overlap the     guide edge and enter the receiving space, opposite to the upper     opening (from below), when engaged by the cam, whereby at least a     portion of the side wall of the pan is moved/raised out of the     inside space. -   the cam is designed and arranged to engage against and push the cam     follower when the lid is within an angular sector opposite to or at     least offset by more than 90° relative to the closed position of the     lid, preferably when the lid is rotated at least 180° (about the     axis of rotation) relative to the closed position. -   the pan rests on two sections or branches of the gripping system,     with a first branch being part of the cam follower, and a second     branch being part of or made integral with a fixed portion of the     insert and including the guide edge. -   the first and the second branches are typically interconnected by an     elastically deformable hinge which extends into the inside volume of     the base under the receiving space. -   an incline is provided on at least one of the two branches,     preferably at least on the guide edge, to guide the cam follower     along a rising path. -   the cam follower may optionally be part of a bottom/bottom wall of     the receiving space.

More generally, it is understood that the gripping system can be compatible with a compact design of a container for use on the go, the gripping system being placed within the inside volume of the base. The container can be at least two or three times as wide as it is high (ratio between maximum width and maximum height), and the pan can also be three times as wide as it is high (ratio between maximum width and maximum height). In some embodiments, this gripping system does not require any specific actuating part (for actuation from the outside) and/or one other than that for uncovering the opening (typically pushed to the front of the lid to allow rotation of the lid).

In the options where the rod of the lid is used to assist with gripping, the mechanism for raising the pan out of the receiving space, to render this pan accessible by the top of its side wall, has the advantage of being a hidden/internal mechanism to allow grasping the pan. The mechanism may be wider than it is tall, in particular when it extends below the receiving space. Thus the cam follower, in one non-limiting example, can have a maximum height that is less than or equal to 19 mm, for example less than or equal to 9 mm in certain options.

The lid may be of the type embedded within the inside volume and able to be lifted by actuating the opening movement. The rod, which also lifts, allows guiding the movement of the lid above the peripheral edge, within a plane for example that is transverse to the axis of rotation, while an incline of the upper surface of the peripheral edge can contribute to guiding, typically with sliding, the rotational movement when the closure portion of the lid is still partly within the inside volume.

According to one feature, the side wall of the insert extends annularly around a central axis and joining the peripheral edge at the annular upper axial end which defines the upper opening. This annular upper axial end, where the top of the pan can be stopped/adjusted, extends entirely into the inside volume, with axial spacing relative to the top of the peripheral wall of the base, such that an upper compartment dedicated to the embedding of the closure portion of the lid is created. The lid can thus be flush with the top of the base but does not add any height or any significant bulk (for example if the lid is slightly domed, this doming typically adds less than 4 mm of height to the height of the base to obtain the total height of the container.

According to one option, the opening/closing system comprises a rod located at the rear of the lid and housed in a hole in the peripheral edge, the rod being configured to guide the movement of the lid above the peripheral edge.

The rod may cooperate with the lid by extending from the lid towards the lower surface/bottom wall of the base while being configured to move transversely relative to the lower surface of the base in order to transition between a position (rod position) proximal to the lower surface and a position (rod position) distal to the lower surface.

The restraint system may retain the lid in the closed position by a latch and/or an elastic return member contained within the inside volume and not visible in the closed position, for example urging and/or maintaining (retaining) the rod in its proximal position.

For the proximal position of the rod, the lid rests on an upper surface of the peripheral edge of the insert which has an incline, due to a progressive cross-sectional narrowing as it descends/axially approaches the plane of the upper opening.

Typically, the opening/closing system is able to be actuated by a driving force on the lid, preferably a driving force exerted by a finger on the lid, which can allow an opening movement. A lid actuating portion may be provided in the lid on a front side, opposite to the rear area where the rod connects to the lid.

The lid is for example embedded in the base in the closed position, and can follow the inclined upper surface during closing/embedding. The lid is able to slide along the incline of the upper surface in order to cause a transverse displacement (lowering) of the rod from and/or to its proximal position.

When a depression/gripping area is formed, each gripping area is typically distinct from the hole and offset from the hole, preferably within an angular sector oriented 90° from the hole.

In some options, the lid may be surrounded, preferably completely surrounded over the entire circumference of the contact portion, by the peripheral edge (if necessary provided with a mask covering a depression) in the closed position.

In some embodiments of the lid in which a rod to drive the rotation of the lid is provided, one or more of the following arrangements may be used:

-   in the closed position, the rod may be completely hidden, forming an     internal rod. It is then possible to hide any mechanism for locking     the closed position, which reduces the risk of external damage to     this mechanism. -   the lid extends perpendicularly to the central axis of the side wall     of the insert or to the axis of the rod, preferably along a plane,     this plane being able to be defined by the external face of the lid. -   the opening/closing system comprises a guide region, fixed, formed     by a guide (for example included in the insert) having a     substantially cylindrical structure which surrounds the rod, the     guide region cooperating with an anchoring portion included in or     made integral with the rod. Typically, the anchoring portion is     provided at a lower end of the rod. By means of this     coupling/guiding, a controlled axial displacement of the lid is     permitted during rotation about the axis of rotation, this axial     displacement depending on the movement of the anchoring portion     relative to the guide region, preferably the movement of at least     one lug (of this anchoring portion or of the guide) within a helical     track or groove constituting the complementary portion for the     guiding effect. -   an angle of incline of the peripheral edge is provided which is for     example less than or equal to 45 or 60°, relative to the plane of     the lid, preferably less than 30 or 40°. This angle of incline can     define a constant slope in the peripheral edge, spread over the     360°. Alternatively, such an angle of incline corresponds to a     maximum slope. -   the incline of the upper surface of the peripheral edge may present     a curvature, as can be seen in a longitudinal profile, which creates     a concave profile on the interior side, delimiting the access to the     compartment/inside space for cosmetic product. A similar curvature     is for example provided on the inside of the lid, i.e. on the     contact portion side of the lid.

Typically, the base may be an outer decorative casing. In some options, only the base and a top part of the lid are visible (forming the external decorative part) in the closed position/configuration of the container. The insert can then be completely hidden.

The features set forth in the following paragraphs may optionally be implemented. They may be implemented independently of one another or in combination with one another:

-   the restraint system includes an elastic return member, preferably     in the form of a spring which is compressed when the rod is in the     distal position. -   the elastic return member has a first fixed end in axial abutment     under the peripheral edge and a second movable end that is integral     with the rod, optionally attached or engaged in abutment against a     ring or annular retaining portion, this annular part being fixedly     attached to the rod or incorporated in the rod. -   the insert is created as one piece. -   the peripheral edge constitutes a flange of the insert. -   the insert is rigidly fixed to the base, preferably by elastic     interlocking, for example by using axial retaining tabs formed to     project from a bottom wall including the lower surface of the base. -   the base is created as one piece. -   the opening/closing system comprises a guide region formed in a     guide, for example of cylindrical structure, interposed and/or     extending between the insert and the base and surrounding the rod.     Such a guide may be interposed between the insert and the base. -   a lower end of the rod comprises a flat ring or similar retaining     portion (for example a ring of diameter substantially equal to an     inside diameter of the cylindrical structure of the guide), so that     when transitioning between the open position and the closed     position, the lid is able to remain substantially parallel to the     lower surface of the base. -   the cylindrical structure is divided into two guide regions: a first     guide region of cylindrical structure extending (downwards) from the     peripheral edge of the insert, and a second guide region of     cylindrical structure extending (upwards/in the opposite direction)     from the bottom portion forming the lower surface of the base. -   the first and second guide regions surround the rod by fitting one     region into the other with at least one radial contact between them.

According to one feature, the container is provided with a sealing system preventing the cosmetic product from coming into contact with an external environment when the lid is in the closed position, by forming an annular sealing contact against and/or adjacent to an upper surface of the peripheral edge. Typically, this peripheral edge is an annular surface which inclines upward, preferably continuously, from an inner circumference of the peripheral edge until it reaches the top of the container formed by a top of the peripheral wall.

In some embodiments the lid may be hermetically sealed by a sealing system having one or more of the following arrangements:

-   in the closed position, the sealing system is formed by the     peripheral edge of the lid bearing down on a rigid retaining ring of     the insert, the bearing or contact force being exerted by/from the     restraint system: a/ at the end (low end) near the base; b/ at the     end (high end near the space/compartment for product). -   in the closed position, the sealing system includes or is formed by     the peripheral edge of the lid bearing down on a rigid retaining     ring of the insert, a tensile force being for example exerted by the     restraint system at the end near the base, or alternatively a     restraining force is exerted at the end near the space/compartment     for product. -   maintaining the lid in the closed position is made possible by the     restraint system. -   in the closed position, the sealing system includes or is formed by     the peripheral end of the lid bearing down on the peripheral edge of     the insert. -   in the closed position, the sealing system includes or is formed by     the peripheral end of the lid bearing down on a retaining ring of a     pan comprising the cosmetic product and housed in the space of the     insert. -   in the closed position, the sealing system includes or is formed by     the peripheral end of the lid bearing down on an elastomer retaining     ring molded over the insert. -   in the closed position, the sealing system includes or is formed by     the peripheral end of the lid bearing down on an elastomer retaining     ring attached to the insert. -   in the closed position, the sealing system includes or is formed by     the peripheral end of the lid bearing down on an elastomer cone (or     truncated cone) formed on the peripheral edge of the insert.

According to one feature, a cone or truncated cone of elastomer is provided, formed on the peripheral edge of the insert, for example in the form of an added piece.

According to another aspect, it is proposed to use the container within a more voluminous packaging assembly, the container being detachable from the rest of the packaging assembly. The container can thus be separated for use on the go, as it takes up less space (easier to fit in a handbag for example).

To this end, it is proposed that the container, which is preferably of generally cylindrical shape and typically wider than high, be used as an integral part of a cap closing off an opening of a receptacle for cosmetic product. The container can form the entire cap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Other features, details and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description below, and upon analyzing the appended drawings, in which:

[FIG. 1A] shows a container for cosmetic product in the closed position, according to a first embodiment.

[FIG. 1B] shows the container for cosmetic product of FIG. 1A, in the open position.

[FIG. 1C] shows the container for cosmetic product of FIGS. 1A and 1B in exploded cross-section, from front to back of the container.

[FIG. 1D] shows, in cross-section view, a mounting region for the rod of the container of FIGS. 1A-1C when the lid is offset relative to the opening providing access to the inside space.

[FIG. 2A] shows a container for cosmetic product in the closed position, according to a second embodiment.

[FIG. 2B] shows the container for cosmetic product of FIG. 2A, in the open position.

[FIG. 3A] shows a container for cosmetic product in the closed position, according to a third embodiment.

[FIG. 3B] shows the container for cosmetic product of FIG. 3A, in the open position.

[FIG. 3C] shows the container for cosmetic product of FIGS. 3A and 3B in exploded cross-section, from front to back of the container.

[FIG. 4A] shows a container for cosmetic product in the closed position, according to a fourth embodiment.

[FIG. 4B] shows the container for cosmetic product of FIG. 4A, in the open position.

[FIG. 4C] shows the container for cosmetic product of FIGS. 4A and 4B in exploded cross-section, from front to back of the container.

[FIG. 5A] shows a container for cosmetic product in the closed position, according to a fifth embodiment.

[FIG. 5B] shows the container for cosmetic product of FIG. 5A, in the open position.

[FIG. 5C] shows another alternative embodiment of the container for cosmetic product of FIGS. 5A and 5B, in the closed position.

[FIG. 5D] shows the container of FIG. 5C, in the open position.

[FIG. 6A] shows a container for cosmetic product in the closed position, according to a sixth embodiment.

[FIG. 6B] shows the container for cosmetic product of FIG. 6A, in the open position.

[FIG. 6C] shows the container for cosmetic product of FIGS. 6A and 6B in exploded cross-section, from front to back of the container.

[FIG. 7A] shows a container for cosmetic product in the closed position, according to a seventh embodiment.

[FIG. 7B] shows the container for cosmetic product of FIG. 7A, in the open position.

[FIG. 7C] shows another alternative embodiment of the container for cosmetic product of FIGS. 7A and 7B, in the closed position.

[FIG. 7D] shows the container of FIG. 7C, in the open position.

[FIG. 8A] shows a container for cosmetic product in the closed position, according to an eighth embodiment.

[FIG. 8B] shows the container for cosmetic product of FIG. 8A, in the open position.

[FIG. 9A] shows a container for cosmetic product in the closed position, according to a ninth embodiment.

[FIG. 9B] shows the container for cosmetic product of FIG. 9A in an intermediate position, where the user is pushing on the lid of the cosmetic product.

[FIG. 9C] shows the container for cosmetic product of FIGS. 9A and 9B, in the open position.

[FIG. 9D] is an enlarged view of the rod and restraint system of the container for cosmetic product in the closed position, according to FIG. 9A.

[FIG. 9E] is an enlarged view of the rod and restraint system of the container for cosmetic product in the intermediate position, according to FIG. 9B.

[FIG. 9F] is an enlarged view of the rod and restraint system of the container for cosmetic product in the open position, according to FIG. 9C.

[FIG. 10 ] illustrates an example of a restraint system of a container for cosmetic product according to one embodiment.

[FIG. 11 ] illustrates another example of a restraint system of a container for cosmetic product according to one embodiment.

[FIG. 12 ] illustrates another example of a restraint system of a container for cosmetic product according to one embodiment.

[FIG. 13 ] illustrates another example of a restraint system of a container for cosmetic product according to one embodiment.

[FIG. 14 ] is an enlarged view of part of the container for cosmetic product, illustrating a sealing system according to one embodiment.

[FIG. 15 ] is an enlarged view of part of the container for cosmetic product, illustrating a sealing system according to another embodiment.

[FIG. 16 ] is an enlarged view of a part of the container for cosmetic product, illustrating a sealing system according to another embodiment.

[FIG. 17 ] is an enlarged view of part of the container for cosmetic product, illustrating a sealing system according to another embodiment.

[FIG. 18 ] is an enlarged view of part of the container for cosmetic product, illustrating a sealing system according to another embodiment.

[FIG. 19 ] illustrates a sealing system according to another embodiment.

[FIG. 20 ] is an enlarged view of part of the container for cosmetic product, illustrating a sealing system according to another embodiment.

[FIG. 21 ] is an enlarged view of part of the container for cosmetic product, illustrating a sealing system according to another embodiment.

[FIG. 22 ] is a top view of the container for cosmetic product, illustrating a pan gripping system according to one embodiment option.

[FIG. 23A] illustrates a container in the open position, comprising another variant of a pan gripping system.

[FIG. 23B] illustrates the container of FIG. 23A in which the pan is accessible after actuation of the gripping system.

[FIG. 23C] illustrates the container of FIG. 23A in which the pan is removed.

[FIG. 24A] illustrates a container in the open position, comprising another variant of a pan gripping system.

[FIG. 24B] is an enlarged view of part of the pan gripping system of the container of FIG. 24A.

[FIG. 24C] illustrates the container of FIG. 24A, in which the pan is accessible after actuation of the gripping system.

[FIG. 25A] illustrates a container in the closed position, comprising another variant of a pan gripping system.

[FIG. 25B] illustrates the container of FIG. 25A in the open position, in which the pan is accessible after actuation of the gripping system.

[FIG. 26A] illustrates a container in the closed position, comprising another variant of a pan gripping system.

[FIG. 26B] illustrates the container of FIG. 26A, in the open position.

[FIG. 26C] illustrates the container of FIGS. 26A and 26B, in which the pan is accessible after actuation of the gripping system.

[FIG. 27A] is a top view of the pan gripping system of the container of FIGS. 26A to 26B before its actuation, when the container is in the open position.

[FIG. 27B] is a top view of the pan gripping system of the container of FIGS. 26A to 26B after actuation.

[FIG. 28 ] is an exploded perspective view of a receptacle, here of the type with a neck, able to include a container of the aforementioned type in a closure member having a very small bulk compared to the capacity of the body of the receptacle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Several examples of non-limiting embodiments are set forth in detail below. In the various figures, identical references indicate identical or similar elements. Certain references shown in FIGS. 1A through 1D have been omitted in subsequent figures for ease of illustration.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 9F, container 1 for cosmetic product 41 comprises a base 2 provided with a lower surface 21, for example created in a bottom wall P2, and a peripheral wall 22 extending upwards from the bottom surface 21 or at least from the bottom wall. Base 2 thus defines an inside volume V and may correspond to decorative packaging, here a single part.

Container 1 further comprises an insert 3, mounted within peripheral wall 22 of base 2, i.e. typically being surrounded by peripheral wall 22. Insert 3 may be mounted from above, i.e. opposite to lower surface 21. In certain variants, container 1 may have no insert that is mounted opposite to lower surface 21. In this latter case, peripheral wall 22 may be extended by a peripheral edge 32 forming an annular upper surface.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, insert 3 may have a side wall 3 a defining a receiving space 31. Side wall 3 a here extends annularly around a central axis Z1, typically while joining a peripheral edge 32 of insert 3. Side wall 3 a may be tubular, presenting an annular upper axial end 3 b which connects with peripheral edge 32 (angled connection as seen in profile/in any axial section view parallel to central axis Z1). This type of arrangement of insert 3 can be adopted independently of the method for mounting or moving lid 5 which will be described further below.

Annular upper axial end 3 b, formed opposite to lower surface 21, defines upper opening O, preferably such that upper opening O extends entirely within the inside volume V (below the level of the top of peripheral wall 22). As will be described in connection with various embodiments of container 1, an incline may be provided in an upper surface S32 of peripheral edge 32, which contributes to allowing an embedding (complete or partial) of a lid 5 coupled/associated with insert 3, preferably undetachably or at least without the possibility of losing lid 5. More broadly, a lid 5 may be coupled/associated with peripheral edge 32.

Here, as can be seen for example in FIGS. 1A to 1D and also in most of the other figures showing insert 3, annular peripheral edge 32 has a shape in the radially outward direction that is generally frustoconical or is a sphere portion bounded by two of its parallels. In some options, it is only the top of peripheral edge 32, namely the portion forming upper surface S32, which has this type of geometry. This geometry of a generally frustoconical shape may also be adopted in variants where edge 32 is part of the base, by extending the top of peripheral wall 22.

With this arrangement of the top of peripheral edge 32, upper surface S32 rises radially outwards, from annular upper axial end 3 b, towards the top of peripheral wall 22. In insert 3 or more generally in any suitable receiving portion, a receiving space 31 or at least one compartment is provided, in which cosmetic product 41 can be placed. Insert 3 thus typically provides a cavity defining the receiving space 31, accessible by an upper opening O. In this non-limiting example, insert 3 comprises one or more parts separate from base 2 and extends internally within the inside volume V: it is not part of the decorative packaging (external covering) of container 1.

Upper opening O is surrounded and here defined by peripheral edge 32. Cosmetic product 41 may be comprised in a pan 4 received in receiving space 31, possibly by being fixed/removably mounted therein, so as to be able to exit receiving space 31 via upper opening O.

Parts 3 a and 32, contiguous at end 3 b which here forms their annular connection, may belong to a same part or may form a peripheral wall which surrounds receiving space 31 and which comes into contact with peripheral wall 22 of the base. Here peripheral edge 32 is engaged radially, via an outer lateral surface, against the inner face of peripheral wall 22. Peripheral edge 32 can block off the space/annular access from above between annular end 3 b and the top of peripheral wall 22.

Container 1 also comprises lid 5, which is movable relative to base 2 and to peripheral edge 32, between a closed position in which the lid 5 prevents access to cosmetic product 41, and an open position in which the cosmetic product 41 is accessible. When insert 3 is provided, the lid 5 is movable relative to the insert 3.

In the non-limiting embodiments illustrated in the figures, container 1 is, in the closed position, of generally tubular shape, for example cylindrical. Optionally, lower surface 21 of base 2 as well as lid 5 may be of circular shape.

The figures are purely illustrative and other shapes may be provided. In particular, lower surface 21 of base 2 as well as lid 5 could be square in shape, so that container 1 in the closed position would have the general shape of a cube. In another embodiment, lower surface 21 of base 2 as well as lid 5 could be of triangular shape, so that container 1 in the closed position would have the general shape of a triangular prism. Rounded forms and/or elongations (oblong, elliptical cross-section) may also be provided.

When container 1 is in the closed position as in the case of FIGS. 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, 5C, 6A, 7A, 7C, 8A, 9A, 10 to 13, and 19 , peripheral end 51 of the lid 5 rests on upper surface S32 of the peripheral edge 32 of insert 3. Here, an inner surface (not visible in the closed position of lid 5) of peripheral end 51 can engage against insert 3, for example by forming an annular axial contact against upper surface S32. In this configuration, the lid 5 may be substantially flush with peripheral edge 32 of base 2.

The lid 5 of the container 1 covers opening O, here hermetically, and is kept closed when an associated perpendicular rod 61, traversing (axially) the peripheral edge 32, is in the position of maximum insertion, therefore proximal relative to bottom wall P2 of the container. As will be described further below, a driving force on the outside of lid 5 allows overcoming a load or lock, moving lid 5 typically along/against inclined upper surface S32 of the edge (at least at the beginning of the movement), the incline of surface S32 being compatible with/facilitating the return of the rod which guides the movement of the lid, this movement then possibly being generally parallel to the plane of opening O.

Contact portion PC of lid 5, for contact against surface S32, may have the general shape of an annular projection, protruding relative to a more central region of lid 5 traversed by central axis Z1 in the closed position. Lid 5 may optionally have the maximum thickness, measured parallel to central axis Z1 in the closed position, at such a projection, the rest of lid 5 being comparatively thinner. This projection of contact portion PC may surround an interior depression of lid 5.

As can be seen in particular in FIGS. 1A to 9F, peripheral edge 32 of insert 3 and peripheral end 51 of the lid have an incline on their opposing surfaces, which may each be of annular shape.

In the examples illustrated, the incline is planar/regular. However, in other options, the incline may be curved.

According to one embodiment, upper surface S32 of peripheral edge 32 of insert 3 and the corresponding counter-surface (inner surface) of peripheral end 51 of the lid 5 are inclined relative to peripheral wall 22 of base 2, preferably at an acute angle.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B for example, it can be seen that base 2 has a horizontal bottom wall P2, perpendicular to central axis Z1, while surface S32 of edge 32 rises outwards with a slope corresponding to an angle θ (theta) which may be less than 60°, for example between 4 or 5° and 50°, more preferably between 9 or 10° and approximately 45°. Here, this angle θ is measured relative to the plane of upper opening O, which can be a plane that is typically horizontal when container 1 rests on base 2 in a stable manner.

Optionally, lid 5 may extend generally parallel to a plane, and furthermore may taper as one approaches its outer circumferential edge or similar outer lateral periphery, thus forming an angle in the inner surface of lid 5. This angle may be the same as angle θ defining the slope of upper surface S32. This thus results in a complementarity compatible with an embedding of contact portion PC of lid 5 within inside volume V, and facilitating the establishing of an annular axial sealed contact between lid 5 and upper surface S32.

According to one embodiment, in the closed position, the incline of upper surface S32 of peripheral edge 32 and that of the inner surface of peripheral end 51 of lid 5 are provided such that the slope angle is substantially the same.

According to one example, peripheral end 51 of lid 5 has a wider cross-section than the cross-section of upper opening O delimited by upper end 3 b. This wider cross-section allows peripheral end 51 of lid 5 to come into contact (annular) against upper surface S32 (of rising incline) of peripheral edge 32, in the closed position of lid 5. Conversely, portion PC of lid 5 which has a downward incline may be dimensioned so as to have an external cross-section which does not project radially beyond the top of peripheral wall 22.

Optionally, lid 5 may be thickened at its periphery, optionally only at its periphery to form the projection constituting contact portion PC. This example is not limiting, and other configurations are possible. For example, the cross-section of lid 5 at peripheral end 51 could be finer/thinner than the rest of lid 5, which offers the advantage of using less material.

Similarly, angle θ for the incline of upper surface S32 and/or the angle at the intersection of peripheral edge 32 with the top of peripheral wall 22, as can be seen in the figures, are illustrative, and adaptations to the angle or to the manner of fitting lid 5 on upper surface S32 are possible without fundamentally modifying the manner of obtaining the closing and opening.

Container 1 may also comprise a sealing system preventing cosmetic product 41 from coming into contact with an external environment when lid 5 is in the closed position. In the illustrated embodiments, container 1 includes a system for opening/closing lid 5, as well as a restraint system which holds lid 5 in the closed position. Here, a pan 4 gripping system is provided for removing pan 4 from insert 3 in order to allow container 1 to be refilled with cosmetic product 41.

In general, the opening/closing system is capable of causing lid 5 to transition between the open position and the closed position. This expression is understood to mean the transition of lid 5 from the closed position to the open position and/or the transition of lid 5 from the open position to the closed position. The expression “between the closed position and the open position” may also be used with the same meaning.

The opening/closing system comprises a rod 61, placed at a rear of lid 5 and typically extending parallel to central axis Z1. In the various figures, central axis Z1 is a vertical axis corresponding to a heightwise direction of longitudinal extension (Z). The cross-section of FIGS. 1A and 1B for example is made along the main or central plane (XZ) passing through rod 61. In non-limiting cases, the position of the rod makes it possible to define two halves, possibly identical, distributed one on either side of main plane (XZ).

Lid 5 may be flat, extending parallel to plane (XY) as can be seen in particular in FIG. 1C. Rod 61, connected to lid 5, may extend along axis Z1, parallel to direction (Z), therefore perpendicular to plane (XY). Furthermore, the aforementioned angle θ can be measured at the top of peripheral wall 22, here with reference to direction X1 (along the direction of radial extension (X)) which is a direction of plane (XZ) at which the top or outside face of lid 5 is typically flush with the top of peripheral wall 22. External portion PE of lid 5 may be substantially flat or parallel to direction X1 and perpendicular to the direction of extension or axis Z2 of rod 61.

In some options, the incline in surface S32 of peripheral edge 32 is distributed in two opposite angular sectors which are traversed by the axis of direction X1. The other complementary portions of upper surface S32 may not be inclined in some options.

Referring to FIGS. 1B or 3B in particular, rod 61 is mounted on insert 3 by traversing peripheral edge 32 via a hole 69. Rod 61 can thus be housed and arranged within a radial spacing between peripheral wall 22 of base 2 and side wall 3 a of insert 3. It thus does not interfere with inside space 31 and can be completely hidden, at least in the closed position of lid 5. Rod 61 thus mounted in hole 69 of peripheral edge 32 has an upper portion or rod head which protrudes axially beyond the peripheral edge to enable the rod-lid connection. The connection may be fixed/rigid. More generally, rod 61 is capable of cooperating with lid 5 and guiding the movement of the lid when it is opened and when it is closed. Advantageously, rod 61 extends from lid 5, here contact portion PC, by traversing peripheral edge 32. Rod 61 occupies hole 69 of insert 3 and extends towards lower surface 21 of base 2. In one configuration, rod 61 may extend from lid 5 all the way to or adjacent to bottom surface 21 of base 2, when container 1 is in the closed position.

The opening/closing system is capable of being actuated by a driving force from lid 5. Advantageously, the driving force is exerted by a finger on lid 5. In one configuration, the driving force of the finger is exerted at the front of the lid, i.e. opposite to rod 61 whose connection to lid 5 is at the rear of said lid.

Advantageously, lid 5 may have a slightly domed profile, may have a depression (or a geometry with relief(s), with at least one gripping edge), enabling the finger to obtain a grip in order to exert the driving force on lid 5.

When the driving force is exerted on lid 5, the lid 5 executes a translational movement induced by the sliding of peripheral end 51 of lid 5 on upper surface S32 of peripheral edge 32, due to the angle of incline of upper surface S32 and to the similar or identical incline of the inner surface (counter-surface) at peripheral end 51 of lid 5 which constitutes contact portion PC. This translational movement also causes a transverse movement of rod 61 relative to lower surface 21 of base 2, and possibly of insert 3, which causes lid 5 to transition between the open position and the closed position.

The driving force overcomes the restraint system, which can then facilitate the movement of rod 61 which will typically raise lid 5 possibly with the assistance of a return member and/or with a simple guide coupled to the rod, in preferred embodiments.

Various embodiments of container 1 are more particularly described below. The same reference numbers are used to designate identical elements. Identical elements are not described again.

Reference is now made more particularly to FIGS. 1A to 1D, illustrating a container 1 for cosmetic product 41 according to a first example.

In this embodiment, lid 5 comprises rod 61 as the axis of rotation, rod 61 extending linearly along axis Z2 parallel to central axis Z1. Thus, when the driving force is exerted, lid 5, in addition to the translational movement, performs a rotational movement around rod 61. Preferably, the driving force is to be exerted at the front of lid 5 and in a direction perpendicular to the straight line (X1) connecting the front to the back of lid 5.

The sliding of peripheral end 51 of lid 5 on upper surface S32 of peripheral edge 32, due to the angle θ or common incline between insert 3 and lid 5 in this interface zone, can be induced by rotation of lid 5 around rod 61. The user may have a natural rotational movement to accompany lid 5 in its ascent of the slope formed by upper surface S32.

Referring to FIGS. 1A to 6C, in this type of configuration, rod 61 and lid 5 are/belong to one and the same part, so that when transitioning between the closed position and the open position, rod 61 also rotates about its axis (Z2), in addition to its transverse ascending movement.

Furthermore, the opening/closing means may further comprise a guide region, more visible in FIG. 1C. The guide region is preferably of generally cylindrical or tubular structure and allows defining all or part of a housing for rod 61 and for a return member such as a spring 71.

In one configuration, the guide region may be obtained by using a cylindrical structure 62, tubular, or a semi-cylindrical/semi-tubular structure such as one comprising two arcuate walls facing each other and defining the contours of a cylinder. Insert 3 and base 2 may be connected with a rotation-preventing effect by a coupling providing a guiding effect, with no rotation permitted between these two components 2, 3 around axis Z1, due to a nesting established off-center.

Cylindrical structure 62 forming part of the connector is for example located between insert 3 (or any suitable partitioning wall for housing the pan) and peripheral wall 22 of base 2, and surrounds the rod 61. A portion 66 of insert 3 may engage -for instance with axial insertion - in structure 62, which allows rotational indexing. This can also allow ensuring the correct assembly of the insert 3 or similar upper part forming the upper peripheral edge 32, with no unwanted angular discrepancy.

In the example illustrated, and as can be seen in FIGS. 1C and 1D, such a connector is distributed into two areas, comprising a first guide region in the form of cylindrical structure 62, which here is fixed and integral with base 22, and a second guide region in the form of portion/guide 66 running along the first guide region. The first guide region forms a female part for receiving, by interlocking or similar insertion, portion 66 shaped as tabs or an anchoring projection, integrally formed with peripheral edge 32 of insert 3 (on the side opposite to upper surface S32).

This example is not limiting and the two guide regions 62, 66 may be made differently. Any positioning means comparable to portion 66 with a rotation-preventing effect for the insert and able to surround rod 61 in order to guide said rod, preferably provided in insert 3, may be used. In some variants, the rotation-preventing engagement of insert 3 may be established elsewhere for the fixed assembly within inside volume V of base 2.

Here, a structure or first guide region 62 has been shown which is part of insert 3 and is formed by a structure with a substantially circular cross-section or with circular segments, extending down from peripheral edge 32 of insert 3. The second guide region is implemented in portion 66 which projects upwards at the bottom wall of base 2 (and which may be formed by a substantially circular structure). In one configuration, at least one centering contact is obtained for example at the lower end of portions 66. Advantageously, guide regions 62, 66 surround rod 61 while leaving space for a return member (here a spring 71) which is placed between one of portions 62, 66 and rod 61.

Guide regions 62, 66 may be added pieces that are respectively fixed by any suitable means to insert 3 and to base 2. Alternatively, guide regions 62, 66 are obtained which may be integral with insert 3 and base 2 respectively.

In addition, guide regions 62, 66 may cooperate with a part 64 that is a flat ring or similar part attached/made integral with rod 61 at its lower end.

Flat ring 64, an external shoulder, or some other change of cross-section with analogous widening may be arranged at a lower end of rod 61. Here, flat ring 64 has an outer circumference of substantially the same diameter as the inside diameters of guide regions 62, 66, so that, when lid 5 transitions between the open position and the closed position, flat ring 64 guides rod 61 in its movements of transverse displacement and rotation. This guidance restricts, for example, any possibility of incline for rod 61, which implies that axis Z2 remains substantially parallel to central axis Z1. The result here is that, in the open position, lid 5 can remain substantially parallel to lower surface 21 of base 2 or at least retain its general orientation parallel to plane (XY).

The term flat ring 64 is used to designate this part, although any other part capable of carrying out the functions described below may be used in place of a flat ring. Similarly, rod 61 and flat ring 64 may form one and the same piece.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the opening/closing system allows obtaining a minimal bulk for container 1: the elements enabling the transition between the open and closed position are received between base 2 and insert 3 and are therefore invisible from outside container 1. This also adds an aesthetic dimension to the whole. In addition, the opening/closing system allows the transition between the open and closed position by exerting a single driving force, preferably with a finger, which makes the use of the container very pleasant and intuitive for a user.

In order to prevent container 1 from being opened inadvertently, a restraint system is also provided. This restraint system may comprise a spring 71 positioned around rod 61 between insert 3 and flat ring 64. In the closed position, spring 71 is here in the released position so that it exerts pressure on flat ring 64, which prevents rod 61 from moving transversely relative to lower surface 21 of base 2 without a driving force being exerted.

More generally, container 1 may integrate a restraint system, arranged internally in container 1, and making it possible to urge/force lid 5 towards the closed position by keeping rod 61 in a position referred to as proximal relative to bottom wall P2 (including lower surface 21) of base 2 which is a wall axially opposite to the opening or similar access(es) closed off by lid 5. A return member, whether in the form of a spring 71 or other return mechanism, can assist with the return to the closed position in some options.

In most figures, an elastic return member such as spring 71, for example a coil spring, is included in the restraint system. Of course, any other return member coupled to rod 61 may be suitable for driving or biasing rod 61 towards the proximal position.

As can be seen in particular in FIG. 1A, the lid 5 comprises a contact portion PC resting on an upper surface S32 of peripheral edge 32. Contact portion PC may have, at the rear of lid 5, a inclined sub-portion which is offset radially inwards relative to rod 61, i.e. located closer to central axis Z1. Such a sub-portion can slide in an annular region of upper surface S32 surrounding rod 61 and/or make it possible to contribute to establishing an annular seal around upper opening O.

Referring to FIG. 1D, an open position of lid 5 is illustrated with a closure portion 50 shifted to behind upper opening O, for example after a driving force was exerted on lid 5 to achieve a rotation greater than or equal to 100° and typically close to 180°, as in FIG. 1D. This force has allowed energy to accumulate in the return member; this energy can be at least partly restored when lid 5 is closed.

Shown here is the open position of lid 5 with a fully accessible upper opening O (100% shift of lid 5). More generally, lid 5 can occupy any open position sufficient to allow access to receiving space 31. As in other options described further below, rod 61 may protrude by an axial distance H, measured parallel to axis Z2 of rod 61, which exceeds for example 2 or 3 millimeters, when lid 5 is brought to an open position. Rod 61 thus extends with an axial spacing above peripheral edge 32, up to the intersection with closure portion 50. Axial distance H may be greater than or equal to the height of outer surface S32 of peripheral edge 32.

Another embodiment of a container 1 is now described, with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B.

The only difference between the first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 1D and this second embodiment is that the opening/closing system does not comprise a guide, meaning it comprises nothing equivalent to the two guide regions 62, 66.

Thus, when container 1 transitions from the closed position to the open position, rod 61 is not guided in its transverse movement relative to lower surface 21 of base 2. As a result, in its open position, lid 5 can be tilted relative to lower surface 21 of base 2.

One advantage of this embodiment is that the number of parts is reduced if guide regions 62, 66 are added pieces or the manufacture of base 2 and insert 3 is facilitated since it does not require guide regions 62, 66. In addition, the tilting of lid 5 into the open position provides an aesthetic and original effect for the user of container 1.

In some options, a rotation-preventing effect between insert 3 and base 2 is obtained by reliefs located in base-insert attachment regions (bottom and/or top).

FIGS. 3A to 3C illustrate a container 1 according to a third embodiment.

In this embodiment, the opening/closing system comprises:

-   a guided portion 65 enabling an anchoring of rod 61; and -   a guide region or guide 66, which predetermines the path of portion     65 during the movement of lid 5 with its rod 61.

More generally, rod 61, which is integral in rotation with the rest of lid 5, may support an anchoring portion 65 which is guided axially and also in rotation by a guide 66. Guide 66 may be implemented in the form of a helical relief, for example a groove or a rib, formed in a fixed portion of base 2 and/or of insert 3.

Guide 66 defines a guide region, here formed by a tubular structure - typically of substantially circular cross-section, extending from peripheral edge 32 of insert 3 towards lower surface 21 of base 2. Advantageously, the relief corresponding to the guide region surrounds rod 61. The guide region has for example at least one helical track or groove provided on the inner surface of guide 66 which here is of cylindrical structure and arranged under the region of edge 32 which includes hole 69, as can be seen for example in FIG. 3C.

Guide 66 may be an added piece, fixed to insert 3 by any suitable means. Alternatively, guide 66 forming the guide region may be formed integrally with insert 3, as a single piece for example.

Anchoring portion 65 also has a generally cylindrical shape, with an outside diameter substantially equal to the inside diameter of guide 66. With reference to FIG. 3C, a base wall is provided in cylindrical anchoring portion 65 or a similar portion having a narrowing cross-section which allows forming an internal shoulder or similar internal gripping edge. The anchoring portion may extend parallel to central axis Z1 while extending around axis Z2, from the base wall to a high/distal end of the bottom wall of base 2.

Here, for example, provision is made for a base wall which is solid and pierced with a hole, so as to be traversed via this hole by a lower end of rod 61 (end of the rod provided opposite to where rod 61 - closure portion 50 join). This base wall faces bottom wall P2 (forming lower surface 21) of base 2, while the upper end of anchoring portion 65 axially faces an underside of peripheral edge 32 of insert 3.

Anchoring portion 65 is mounted in guide 66 and is movable according to the associated guide region. Guidance is for example made possible by the presence of one or more lug(s) 67 cooperating with the helical track or groove (or along a helical rib). The lug projects radially outwards relative to the rest of the tube wall constituting anchoring portion 65. In FIGS. 3A and 3B, it can be seen that anchoring portion 65 is located at a lower end of rod 61, being axially integral with this lower end. The anchoring portion may be an intermediate part which enables the anchoring of rod 61, here in insert 3. In alternatives, anchoring portion 65 may be included in the part that constitutes rod 61, and ensures anchoring directly into insert 3.

Given this anchoring of rod 61, when the driving force is exerted on an external/accessible portion of lid 5 in order to exit the closed position or conversely to return to the closed position, the rotation and the transverse displacement of rod 61 cause movement of lug(s) 67 in the helical track. This makes it possible to prevent too rapid of an ascent which could impact the proper functioning of the opening/closing mechanism after repeated uses, or an insufficient ascent of lid 5, with the possibility of reducing undesirable friction of contact portion PC against upper surface S32 of peripheral edge 32 during rotation of lid 5.

In this embodiment, the lower end of rod 61 is retained in anchoring portion 65. As shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, anchoring portion 65 has a hole into which the (lower) end of rod 61 is inserted. Optionally, the lower end of rod 61 has a larger diameter than the hole, such that rod 61 cannot be removed from anchoring portion or part 65. Rod 61 may also have two protuberances engaging in spaces or notches, typically of complementary shapes, of portion 65 which prevent the rotation of rod 61 alone (rotation-preventing effect). Thus, for example, the protuberances of rod 61, formed as external radial projections coincident with the level of the base wall of portion 65, are engaged in the spaces of portion 65, possibly with a generally square shape/cross-section for these protuberances (cross-section made in a plane parallel to reference plane (XY)).

When container 1 transitions between the closed position and the open position, rod 61 executes the movements of translation and transverse displacement described above. The engagement of portion 65 by the protuberances or similar reliefs of rod 61 then causes the movement of anchoring portion 65, and more particularly of lugs 67 of portion 65, in the helical track.

Regarding spring 71 or an equivalent return member of the restraint system, this may be interposed axially between insert 3 and anchoring portion 65, for example resting axially from above on the base wall of anchoring portion 65. It is understood that spring 71 may be placed between the region of edge 32 defining hole 69 and the base wall defining the hole of anchoring portion 65 (this latter hole here being in vertical alignment with hole 69, axis Z3 being able to pass through these two holes). When container 1 is in the closed position with the restraint system which urges the lower end of rod 61 into the position proximal to the bottom of base 2 (here with spring 71 in its relaxed position, driving anchoring portion 65 downwards), this prevents any movement of rod 61 and therefore the transition from the closed position to the open position without a driving force being exerted (no accidental opening, even in the event of a sudden impact during transport, for example).

The configuration of this third embodiment, regardless of the design specifically chosen for the restraint system, reinforces the guidance of rod 61 during the transition between the open position and the closed position.

In this embodiment, in the open position, lid 5 can be kept parallel to lower surface 21 or bottom wall P2 of base 2. More generally, a helical guide implemented at a rod portion inserted under edge 32 can accompany the desired movement for lid 5, which is typically a movement which remains substantially parallel to plane (XY), i.e. transverse relative to central axis Z2 which passes through upper opening O.

FIGS. 4A to 4C illustrate a fourth embodiment.

In this embodiment, the guide region of the opening system does not comprise a helical track but at least one lug 67 is provided in guide 66 which may be designed as a sub-portion of insert 3, in the same piece for example. In this embodiment, guide 66 is also of cylindrical structure and prevents rod 61 from tilting/changing direction relative to axis Z2 around which lid 5 can rotate. Although the guide region here is implemented entirely with insert 3, a design by assembling different parts may also be suitable.

Rod 61 has a helical track cooperating with lug 67 of guide 66. The track may correspond to a groove which extends at least 180° around axis Z2. The rotation of lid 5 to 180° is clearly visible in FIG. 4B, with contact portion PC entirely raised above peripheral wall 22.

Thus, when driving force is exerted and container 1 transitions between the open position and the closed position, the rotation and the transverse displacement of rod 61 follow the shape of the helical track, due to lug 67 of guide 66 which engages with the helical track (here by fitting into the groove). The groove shown in FIG. 4C may have an axially downward outlet, to allow mounting lug 67 with insertion, when rod 61 of lid 5 is fitted into guide 66 by passing through hole 69.

In this embodiment, the restraint system comprises lug 67 of guide 66 as well as rod 61. More particularly, the restraint is obtained by tightening rod 61 and lug 67. In addition, an indexing of the closed position, preferably with a locking effect, may be made possible by providing a recess or a relief with a gripping edge 39 on peripheral edge 32, here on upper surface S32. Contact portion PC of lid 5 may have a projection or a complementary relief which engages, for example in an elastically deformable manner, into/against relief 39.

This embodiment has the advantage of a reduced number of elements forming the opening/closing and restraint systems. This therefore facilitates the manufacture of container 1, while offering minimal dimensions.

FIGS. 5A to 5D illustrate examples in accordance with a fifth embodiment of a container 1 according to the invention.

The fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a material of rod 61 is flexible. Rod 61 may for example deform and/or be provided with a hinge. Thus, with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, when container 1 transitions between the open position and the closed position, rod 61 bends due to the angle formed between the plane of lid 5 (the lid being raised at an angle along upper surface S32 of peripheral edge 32) and peripheral edge 32. The slope or incline provided at the rear of contact portion PC, once swiveled - for example by 180° as in FIG. 5B - no longer matches the incline of upper surface S32 enabling lid 5 to remain perpendicular to axes Z1 and Z2. This is why lid 5 tends to rise obliquely on the rear side relative to insert 3.

A variation of this embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 5C and 5D. Here, the cross-section of rod 61 at its point of junction with lid 5 is thinner/finer than the rest of rod 61. A portion of rod 61, possibly with a rigid portion or ring 64 attached, here remains guided axially, so that rod 61 remains aligned with hole 69, as in the case of FIGS. 5A and 5B.

Advantageously, the top of rod 61 with its thinning allows greater flexibility of rod 61, in order to obtain a hinge effect. Thus, the appearance of stress potentially applied to the point of junction between rod 61 and closure portion 50 of lid 5 during the transition of container 1 between the open position and the closed position is avoided. Instead, closure portion 50 rises as lid 5 and rod 61 slide and rise, overcoming the stress exerted by the return member, here in the form of spring 71.

In other variants, this flexible arrangement of the top of rod 61 may be adopted with other guide structures, where appropriate with a helical track. Where appropriate, upper surface S32 or the top of wall 22 may have a projection or a specific geometry at the rear of container 1, allowing the rising effect of closure portion 50 only in the event of an overlap between lid 5 and the back of the rest of container 1.

The sixth embodiment of container 1 is illustrated in FIGS. 6A to 6C.

In this embodiment, the opening/closing system comprises anchoring portion 65 and guide 66 which forms a guide region, here helical.

As in the third embodiment, the guide region is formed by a guide that is rigid (or fixed with respect to insert 3) with a substantially circular structure, extending from peripheral edge 32 of insert 3 towards lower surface 21 of base 2. Advantageously, the guide region produced by guide 66 surrounds rod 61. Guide 66 has at least one helical track, here a groove, on its inner surface.

Guide 66 may be or may include an added piece fixed to insert 3 by any suitable means. Alternatively, guide 66 may be entirely included in a component part of insert 3, without any assembly of various parts.

Anchoring portion 65 may also have a generally cylindrical shape or a shape suitable for maintaining an axial orientation of rod 61, parallel to axis Z2. Here, portion 65 has an outside diameter substantially equal to the inside diameter of guide 66. A radial wall of portion 65 is provided with an axial hole in vertical alignment with hole 69, here in the top of anchoring portion 65. Anchoring portion 65 is hollow in order to accommodate all or part of a return member such as a spring 68.

Unlike the embodiment of FIGS. 3A to 3C, the cavity of guide 66 opens towards the bottom, with an axial opening which faces bottom wall P2 of base 2, while the solid radial portion of the anchoring portion can face peripheral edge 32 of insert 3. One may note that anchoring portion 65 may be of a similar or identical design to that shown in the third embodiment, but arranged upside down along another direction of axis Z2.

Anchoring portion 65 is mounted in the guide region of guide 66 and may comprise a lug 67 projecting radially outwards cooperating with the helical track (typically mounted via a lower axial outlet of a helical groove constituting this track). Thus, when driving force is exerted and container 1 transitions between the open position and the closed position, the rotation and transverse displacement of rod 61 cause the movement of lug 67 in the helical track.

In this embodiment, the lower end of rod 61 carries the anchoring portion and, once anchoring portion 65 is mounted in guide 66, the lid 5 cannot be detached from the insert 3. The assembly may vary. Attachment at the hole of anchoring portion 65 may be provided, as in the case described for the third embodiment.

As can be seen in FIGS. 6A to 6C, the segment of rod 61 formed from closure portion 50 may be shorter than in the third embodiment. Indeed, here anchoring portion 65 may extend rod 61 axially (downwards).

This makes it possible to have space in the cylinder or guide 66 in order to place a spring 68 or other return device therein, possibly of the magnetic type. More precisely here, a spring 68, for example helical, is received in the guide by being housed (at least in part) in a tubular/cylindrical section of anchoring portion 65. Spring 68 extends from the bottom wall of base 2 to the lower end of rod 61, received in the hole of guide 65, the spring having a movable end resting on the radial portion of anchoring portion 65.

In the closed position and as can be seen in FIG. 6A, spring 68 is in a state of compression, so that it urges rod 61 and guide 66 upwards. This biasing cannot be exerted in the closed position, due to the presence of a locking device which is part of the restraint system.

The restraint system here comprises interlocking or locking means (76, 77) placed for example at the front in this non-limiting case. Such means will be further described with reference to FIG. 12 . These interlocking means make it possible to lock lid 5 relative to insert 3, in order to maintain the closed position despite the return effect which tends to cause lid 5 to rise. These interlocking means can be unlocked by the driving force exerted on lid 5.

When the interlocking means are unlocked by the driving force exerted on lid 5, spring 68 transitions to its rest position which causes the automatic opening of the lid. When transitioning from the closed position to the open position, rod 61 executes the movements of translation and transverse displacement described above. The protuberances of rod 61 then cause the movement of guide 66, and more particularly of lugs 67 in the helical track. More generally, the rod 61 with its anchoring portion 65 forms a slide assembly which is by default in the high position in guide 66, in the absence of an action retaining/locking the closed position.

A seventh embodiment will now be described with reference to FIGS. 7A-7D.

The difference between this seventh embodiment and the first embodiment is that rod 61 and closure portion 50 of lid 5 are not integral. In other words, rod 61 may be created as a separate part before assembly. Here, assembly allows closure portion 50 to be made integral with rod 61, in particular at least integral in axial translation along axis Z2 so that the rising of rod 61 allows lid 5 as a whole to rise.

In the option illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B, rod 61 and lid 5 are fixed to each other by a hinge connection 52, for example a pin hinge.

In the variant illustrated in FIGS. 7C and 7D, rod 61 and lid 5 are fixed to each other by a ball joint 53. These connections 52, 53 allow lid 5 to move back and forth (rod 61 being at the rear) via the rotation of the rod 61 which is typically guided in its housing. These connections 52, 53 are compatible with a movement path of lid 5 which remains transverse relative to axis Z2, as well as enabling movement once lid 5 is located at the rear of container 1.

Thus, during the transition of container 1 from the closed position to the open position, hinge 52, 53 also allows pivoting lid 5 to move it relative to rod 61. Typically, as shown in FIG. 5B, when container 1 is in the open position, lid 5 can be inclined relative to lower surface 21 of base 2, thus exiting an arrangement perpendicular to axes Z1 and Z2.

These options make it possible in particular to reduce the stress potentially applied to the area where rod 61 and lid 5 are joined, when container 1 transitions between the open position and the closed position.

A return effect has been illustrated here which urges rod 61 towards its low position/proximal to bottom wall P2, to facilitate obtaining the closed position. Of course, it is also possible to provide a default of returning to the open position and, in this case, an axial locking of the closed/lowered position of lid 5 may possibly be achieved by a suitable locking device.

An eighth embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B.

In this embodiment, the opening/closing system also comprises a lid 5 supported by a rod 61, but also with a track 109 provided on the (internal) face of lid 5, facing insert 3. Advantageously, track 109 may be substantially straight, running between two diametrically opposite ends. For example, track 109 may extend from the front to the back of lid 5. It may typically be an integral part of the part which constitutes the lid 5.

Rod 61 and lid 5 are two separate elements in this embodiment. A portion of rod 61 is received in insert 3, axially through hole 69. Rod 61 extends towards and for example all the way to (in the closed position) the bottom wall forming lower surface 21 of base 2. Rod 61 comprises a portion 61A extending beyond hole 69 of the insert, called the outer portion. Portion 61A of rod 61, here in the form of a bent outer portion as can be seen in FIG. 8B, includes a male member engaged in an elongated cavity, from front to rear, defined between two parallel sides of track 109. This male member of portion 61A is slidably mounted in the elongated cavity, parallel to closure portion 50 of lid 5, and advantageously may form a right angle with the rest of rod 61 which extends along the direction of axis Z2.

The end of portion 61A of rod 61 may form a lug or comparable male member engaged in track 109, track 109 here being arranged in the form of a runner or rail which defines a rectilinear groove. In some variants, the track is formed in the thickness of lid 5 without forming any interior relief. Folded edges 109′ of track 109 are optionally provided for axial retention of the lug or male member, so that the latter can engage/slide in track 109 for the transition between the closed position and the open position.

According to this embodiment, to transition container 1 from the closed position to the open position, driving force is to be exerted at the front of lid 5, but in a radial direction (directed towards the rear), as illustrated for example by arrow F8 in FIG. 8A. In particular, the driving force is typically to be exerted from the front of lid 5 towards the center of lid 5.

The driving force causes lid 5 to move relative to rod 61, due to the movement of track 109 guided by the lug or comparable male member in portion 61A. This movement also causes the transverse displacement of rod 61 relative to lower surface 21 of base 2, due to the sliding (with lifting effect) of a portion of peripheral end 51 of lid 5 on peripheral edge 32 of insert 3, analogously to what has been described above.

Furthermore, in order to avoid an inadvertent transition from the open position to the closed position, a locking effect may be obtained by a clamping and/or retaining means associated with track 109. For example, track 109 has a reduction in cross-section/width, therefore a passage for the lug that is locally smaller and slightly less than the width of lug 110, at its end in contact with lug 110 in the open position (as can be seen in FIG. 8B for example), which makes it possible to obtain end-of-travel clamping. Lid 5 can be tilted significantly, following the incline of upper surface S32 in the region adjacent to hole 69. In this option, the rod may be rigid 61, with no bent/flexed area. A rotation-preventing effect of rod 61 may be provided, or at least the rotation of the rod may be limited to a small angle, for example less than 5 or 10°. The bottom of rod 61 (in the rod or in an added piece) may, if necessary, have a flat surface or a relief providing a rotation-preventing effect.

Optionally, inside space 31 delimited by insert 3 may be offset relative to wall 22, for example so that the front end of lid 5 in the open and locked position does not interfere with access to product 41 via upper opening O. In this case, an upper surface 32 has been illustrated which borders only part of upper opening O or may have variable spacing away from upper opening O. Such an option is applicable in most of the other options illustrated elsewhere.

In this embodiment, the restraint system also comprises a return member, for example with spring 71 and a retaining means (here flat ring 64) for the movable end of the return member, such as described above with reference to the other embodiments.

FIGS. 9A to 9C illustrate a ninth embodiment of a container 1 according to the invention.

In this embodiment, the opening/closing system comprises rod 61 and lid 5. It further comprises a guide region, here in a rigid guide 66, which is separate from insert 3 and for example adjacent to the insert. Optionally, guide 66 has a cylindrical shape surrounding rod 61. In one exemplary embodiment, the inside diameter of guide 66 forming the guide region is substantially equal to the outside diameter of rod 61.

Guide 66 may have at least one lug 67, cooperating with a track 111 provided on rod 61, as shown in FIGS. 9D to 9F. Two diametrically opposed lugs 77 may be provided. Guide 66 is axially blocked between base 2 (from below) and an edge portion or relief of insert 3, for example directly by peripheral edge 32 of insert 3 in a portion adjacent to hole 69 and typically offset radially inward relative to hole 69.

Typically, a depression in peripheral edge 32, forming a downward-opening recess, receives the top of guide 66 by:

-   forming a zone for axial abutment from above by cooperating with an     edge portion 66B of guide 66, edge portion 66B optionally extending     from the interior side relative to rod 61 (radially between axis Z1     and axis Z2) and which has two extreme edges defining an upper notch     66 e of guide 66; and -   blocking rotation of guide 66 beyond a certain threshold, for     example to limit rotation to approximately 20° or slightly less, by     forming stops against which the extreme edges rest. -   Axial spacing E can then be obtained only at notch 66 e, further     back than rod 61.

Additionally or alternatively, base 2 opposes any axial rising of guide 66, for example by coming to engage against a complementary relief located at a distance from the top of guide 66. As described below, an axial spacing E between peripheral edge 32 and the top of guide 66 is provided in the closed position (visible in FIG. 9A), to allow the combined depression of lid 5 and insert 3 towards bottom wall P2 of base 2.

The opening/closing system here may comprise a first return member, for example a first spring 112, located between the lower end of rod 61 and the lower surface 21 of base 2. Other arrangements of such a return member are allowed for urging the rod towards an extension configuration in which the rod is distal from bottom wall P2 of base 2. For example, the rod may incorporate a repulsion magnet and/or a compressible member in its lower end. The opening/closing system also comprises a second return member, for example a second spring 113 located between lower surface 21 of base 2 and insert 3, under receiving space 31 for cosmetic product 41. In this embodiment, insert 3 is thus movable relative to base 2.

In the closed position, first spring 112 is in a state of compression, so that it exerts an upward pressure on rod 61. Second spring 113 is in a state of relaxation. The axial retention of rod 61 can be implemented under peripheral edge 32, for example by an abutment element provided in guide 66.

To move container 1 from the closed position to the open position, the driving force is to be exerted (by the user) downwards on the outer face of lid 5 (FIG. 9B, see arrow F9 indicating the force’s direction). The driving force then forces first spring 112 into an even more compressed state and also compresses second spring 113. The driving force also makes it possible to unlock the restraint system, described in more detail below, which then no longer retains container 1 in the closed position.

Then, as can be seen in FIG. 9C, first spring 112 which enters its released state automatically causes opening with access to product 41, driving rod 61 in a transverse movement relative to lower surface 21 of the base. Lug 67 of guide 66 is engaged in a helical portion 61 h of track 111 (here a groove) of rod 61, guiding the rod in a rotational movement which also drives lid 5 to rotate about its axis of rotation (therefore around axis Z2 which is also a central axis for guide 66). In the open position, second spring 113 returns to its relaxed position. Second spring 113 therefore enables the automatic movement and repositioning of insert 3 relative to base 2.

Furthermore, cleats or axial abutment reliefs R2, R3 may be provided on base 2 and/or insert 3. For example, base 2 has at least one fixed relief R2, optionally projecting radially inwards from the inner face of an internal wall defining a cavity C2 for receiving the member forming second spring 113. Fixed relief R2 may form an axial abutment which is engaged from below by a complementary portion or suitable relief R3 of insert 3, provided in an anchoring bottom of the insert which penetrates cavity C2. Relief R3 is thus suitable for placement in an outer groove 115 provided on base 2, under relief R2. More generally, any coupling suitable for a limited sliding of insert 3 in base 2 may be provided, with lid 5 embedded within inside volume V. The displacement of insert 3 relative to base 2 is thus controlled, with no risk of detachment of insert 3, preferably with axial guidance of insert 3 by means of peripheral edge 32 which runs along the inner face of peripheral wall 22.

In this embodiment, the restraint system is distributed in guide 66, which includes for example one or two lugs 67, and in rod 61, at a portion of track 111. The restraint system is more particularly illustrated in FIGS. 9D to 9F which are enlarged views of track 111 with its helical portion, and of lug 67.

FIG. 9D illustrates the restraint system when container 1 is in the closed position. A housing 111A is provided in continuity with an upper end of the helical portion of track 111 and forms an elbow bend with this upper end of the helical guide region. Lug 67 of guide 66 is received in the bottom of housing 111A, the top of housing 111A corresponding to a point in a path segment in the shape of an inverted “V”. By thus occupying the bottom of housing 111A (under the tip/upper end of the guide region), lug 67 is not engaged in helical portion 61 h of track 111. The inverted V shape implies that in case of rod 61 descending, a relative rotation is necessary between rod 61 and guide 66, the latter being rotatably mounted in base 2.

During the driving force from above (FIG. 9E) which lowers lid 5 with rod 61, the cylindrical structure forming guide 66 is forced to rotate, due to lug(s) 67 received in housing 111A of rod 61. This rotation is advantageously quite small, for example the cylindrical structure forming guide 66 rotates between 10 and 20°, for example more than 12 or 15°. This rotation allows each lug 67 to be placed as high as possible in corresponding track 111, facing the upper end of helical portion 61 h and thus be engaged there.

Then, when the driving force is released, lug(s) 67 no longer occupy the same (short) branch of corresponding track 111, which allows the action of the first return member, here spring 112. Container 1 can transition to the open position (FIG. 9F), due to the movements of rotation and transverse displacement of rod 61, the movement of rod 61 being guided by the coupling(s) between helical portion 61 h and corresponding lug 67 engaged therein. Helical portion 61 h may be configured to restrict the rotation to approximately 180° about axis Z2. The return to the closed position may require a simple rotation of the lid 5, here also with a helical guiding effect but overcoming the return force exerted at the bottom of rod 61. Inclined upper surface S32 may optionally facilitate the engagement of lug 67 in the branch arm of track 111 forming housing 111A, for example by participating at the end of the guiding.

FIGS. 10 to 13 illustrate alternative embodiments of restraint systems. These alternatives may be applied to all embodiments, and may be combined with one another. These alternatives may also be used in combination with the embodiments of the restraint systems described above with reference to FIGS. 1A to 9F.

In the examples illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 11 , the visible restraint system is the system comprising flat ring 64 and spring 71. This is not limiting and only represents one example implementation.

In FIG. 10 , the restraint system may further comprise locking means for locking lid 5 to insert 3. The locking means comprise a protrusion 73 on peripheral end 51 of lid 5 or on peripheral edge 32 of insert 3, respectively coupling with a cavity 74 in peripheral edge 32 of insert 3 or in peripheral end 51 of lid 5.

These locking means allow, in addition to locking lid 5 on insert 3, indicating the end of travel to the user.

In the example of FIG. 11 , the restraint system comprises other locking means for locking lid 5 to insert 3, comprising magnets (here a pair of magnets 75) or similar complementary magnetic elements. One magnet 75 is provided in peripheral end 51 of lid 5 and the other magnet is provided in peripheral edge 32 of insert 3, so that they are invisible from the outside, at least in the closed position.

The opposing faces of the two magnets 75 face each other, so as to be attracted to each other in the closed position. The use of a pair of complementary magnets 75 also allows, in addition to locking lid 5 on insert 3, indicating the end of travel to the user.

In the example of FIG. 12 , the restraint system comprises locking or interlocking means, for locking or interlocking lid 5 and insert 3. More specifically, the locking or interlocking means may be provided at the front of lid 5. These means comprise for example a clip 77 or other retaining element, in peripheral end 51 of lid 5, capable of fitting in the closed position into a complementary attachment element 76, here into a complementary engagement edge (for snap-fitting) provided in peripheral edge 32 of insert 3.

FIG. 13 illustrates the same restraint system but where two interlocking means are used for interlocking lid 5 and insert 3, respectively one at the front of lid 5 and another at the rear of lid 5. A radial tab of lid 5 projects radially outwards in order to interlock with or fit into a groove provided in upper surface S32, here provided for example further back than rod 61.

FIGS. 14 to 21 illustrate different embodiments of a sealing system for container 1, which allow defining an annular sealed contact in an area that is hidden in the closed position. These options may be applied to all embodiments, and may be combined with each other. These options may also be used in combination with the embodiments of the containers and restraint systems described above with reference to FIGS. 1A to 13 .

Advantageously, the options/variants of a sealing system can operate in conjunction with a restraint system. Indeed, the restraint systems make it possible to exert a force on lid 5 in the closed position, this force typically being directed downwards and therefore keeping lid 5 pressed and relatively under pressure on insert 3.

In the examples illustrated in FIGS. 13 to 21 , the visible restraint system is the system comprising flat ring 64 and spring 71 or any similar return member arranged to urge the rod into the position proximal to the bottom of base 2. This is not limiting and only represents one example implementation.

According to the embodiment in FIG. 14 , sealing is achieved by a cone bearing down on a rigid retaining ring. More precisely, the peripheral end of lid 5 is similar to a cone, for example forming a frustoconical projection, and the rigid retaining ring is created by/in the angle formed between side wall 3 a of the insert defining receiving space 31 and peripheral edge 32. The bearing surface is increased by the force applied by the restraint system on lid 5. It is understood that the sealing is made possible by an annular contact which is exerted axially, while also being able to include a radial component due to the radial pressure towards the inside of the rod, against contact portion PC which here is sloping/inclined.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 15 , sealing is achieved by a cone bearing down on a cone. More specifically, peripheral end 51 of lid 5 is similar to a first cone (in contact portion PC, also shown in other drawings such as FIG. 1A for example) and a second cone is formed by peripheral edge 32 of insert 3. The bearing surface is increased by the force applied by the restraint system on lid 5. In this example, the restraint system further comprises locking means 73, 74.

According to the embodiment in FIG. 16 , sealing is achieved by a cone bearing down on a retaining ring. More precisely, peripheral end 51 of lid 5 is similar to a cone and the retaining ring is the upper end of pan 4 running along side wall 3 a of insert 3. The bearing surface is increased by the force applied by the restraint system on lid 5.

According to the embodiment of FIGS. 17 and 18 , sealing is achieved by a cone bearing down on an overmolded elastomer retaining ring (81 or 82 respectively). More precisely, the peripheral end of lid 5 is similar to a cone and elastomer retaining ring 81 or 82 is molded over peripheral edge 32 of insert 3. The bearing surface is increased by the force applied by the restraint system on lid 5. It is understood that here, a portion of upper surface S32 is formed by the attached or overmolded annular portion.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 19 , sealing is achieved by a cone seated bearing down on an attached elastomer cone 32 b. More precisely, the peripheral end of lid 5 is similar to a cone, and elastomer cone 32 b is attached in the form of an intermediate part between insert 3 and lid 5. Elastomer cone 32 b is for example attached to a rigid portion 32 a of peripheral edge 32, here over an entire annular portion 32 a forming a portion of insert 3 which supports cone 32 b. Elements 32 a and 32 b together form peripheral edge 32. The bearing surface is increased by the force applied by the restraint system on lid 5. In this example, upper surface S32 is only formed by the material of the frustoconical element referred to as “elastomer cone” 32 b. As an alternative, it is understood that just an annular portion of upper surface S32 may be formed by the attached or overmolded annular portion.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 20 , sealing is achieved by a cone bearing down on a retaining ring 84 of upper surface S32. Here, the peripheral end of lid 5 is thus similar to a cone and retaining ring 84 may be formed by a bead provided on peripheral edge 32 of insert 3. The bearing surface is increased by the force applied by the restraint system on lid 5.

According to the example of FIG. 21 , the sealing is offset further outwards, achieved by a cone bearing down on a retaining ring 85. More specifically, the peripheral end of lid 5 is similar to a cone and an overmolding 85 or analogous outer overlayer of base 2 may be provided. Thus, overmolding 85 of the base at the upper end of peripheral wall 22 of base 2 forms the bead. Lid 5 comes into abutment, radially from the inside, against the top of this overlayer, so that the outermost edge does not protrude beyond the top of the base thus overmolded, the effect being flush with lid 5. The bearing surface is increased by the force applied by the restraint system on lid 5.

FIGS. 22 to 27B illustrate options for embodiments of pan gripping system 4. The pan may have a bottom wall 4 a and a side wall 4 b to surround product 41, side wall 4 b being annular and of lesser height/depth than insert 3. Height H4 of pan 4 may be for example between one sixth and three quarters of height H22 of peripheral wall 22.

These options/variants may be applied to all embodiments, and may be combined with each other. These variants may also be used in combination with the embodiments of the containers, restraint systems, and sealing systems described above with reference to FIGS. 1A to 21 . In certain variants, two pans may be provided, for example arranged adjacent to each other, occupying a two-lobed space for example.

A first embodiment option is illustrated in FIG. 22 . An example of a container 1 is shown with lid 5 open, in an option with a pan gripping system 4, transposable to various embodiments including those described above. Here at least one depression is provided adjacent to a side wall of pan 4, in insert 3 or in peripheral edge 32. A gripping area 91 is thus created with access to the side wall of pan 4. Preferably gripping area 91 is distributed into two regions allowing the insertion of at least two fingers capable of gripping pan 4 between them, which is for example of the type that snap-fits/nests into space 31.

The views in the subsequent figures, including FIG. 23A, correspond to a longitudinal section view of container 1 (section from front to back, passing through the rod located at the rear). It can be seen that receiving space 31 of pan 4 may be at least locally widened (due to the depression or depressions) and here at least partly has a larger diameter than the diameter of pan 4. Insert 3 may define a receiving space 31 elongated along direction Y. Alternatively, space 31 may also be defined, wholly or in part, by an interior portion of the base, for example by a central annular portion of the base. Each depression may correspond to a space adjacent to the side wall of pan 4, provided between this side wall 4 b and an external protrusion 30 a or 30 b from side wall 3 a of insert 3, which allows gripping pan 4.

In one embodiment, an indentation or depression is provided in a portion of peripheral edge 32 which is offset relative to the front as well as relative to the rear where rod 61 is located (here along direction Y). Insert 3 or similar interior wall partition arrangement may optionally alone delimit such an indentation or depression. The portion of edge 32 may then be a flange with recesses and/or which locally has a width substantially equal to zero (with a radially outward offset), so as to form a gripping area 91 accessible from above. More generally, at least one depression may be provided in peripheral edge 32 or insert 3, thus forming a gripping area 91. Receiving space 31 for cosmetic product 41 is thus, in the example illustrated here, wider than pan 4, at least in part. The recesses or depressions thus created, adding to the retention space by locally reducing the width/radial extension in the top of the flange, allow a user wishing to change pan 4 or to refill pan 4 with cosmetic product 41, to be able to grasp pan 4 easily in order to take it out of receiving space 31 and proceed with changing or refilling it. Advantageously, the at least one gripping area 91 is not located at least at the rear of container 1, so that the opening/closing and restraint system, in particular rod 61, can be received at this location as described above.

FIGS. 23A to 23C illustrate a second alternative embodiment. This variant is identical to the one described with reference to FIG. 22 , except that the pan gripping system further comprises a masking plate 92. Masking plate 92 is intended to be placed on the fixed portion (here constituting insert 3), covering it axially from above. Once mounted, masking plate 92 is made integral with the fixed portion to form insert 3, by means of rotation-preventing means. For example, plate 92 may completely or partially cover an upper face of a rigid flange, typically notched from the inside, which is part of peripheral edge 32. This covering makes it possible to mask gripping area 91. Masking plate 92, which is removable relative to the fixed portion of insert 3, can be considered as an added layer of the insert. In variants, the masking plate 92 may rest on a partition wall (possibly including the peripheral edge 32) provided in the base, not necessarily included in a piece or insert separate from the base 2.

Masking plate 92 may follow an incline of the flange to form and/or extend upper surface S32, plate 92 possibly being annular in order to cover all or part of peripheral edge 32. Another additional or alternative attachment area may be provided to participate in this rotation-preventing effect. It may be possible here to form two layers of peripheral edge 32, with a first layer as a rigid flange, typically irremovable/inseparable from side wall 3 a, and a second layer corresponding to masking plate 92.

In one embodiment, masking plate 92 is fixed to peripheral edge 32. More specifically, masking plate 92 may have a projection 92A, here a projection or tab projecting axially downwards, capable of being inserted into a hole 33 of the flange forming peripheral edge 32. Projection 92A may be forcibly inserted into hole 33 and held there by snap-fitting. At a point diametrically opposite projection 92A, masking plate 92 may have a bead 92B or similar member on the periphery of the plate, bead 92B cooperating with a gripping edge defining a groove or cavity 34 in the fixed portion of insert 3 (or similar portion of peripheral edge 32), here a cavity of concave or rounded shape. Masking plate 92 may also have a gripping area (not shown), formed for example by a localized increase in the inside diameter of masking plate 92.

Typically, projection 92A may include a lug, anchoring relief 92C, or similar hooking means able to engage on a gripping edge formed under peripheral edge 32.

Alternatively, the gripping area of plate 92 (not shown) may be formed by a localized reduction in the outside diameter of masking plate 92. More generally, the masking plate may have any tab or portion suitable for easy gripping in order to remove it by the top of container 1.

During use, when the user wishes to change or refill pan 4, the user removes masking plate 92 by placing a finger, a fingernail, or a tool at the gripping area of plate 92 and lifting plate 92. Projection 92A, which is possibly elastically deformable, can then be removed from hole 33, and bead 92B slides against the rounded shape of cavity 34, thus forming a rocking motion which allows complete removal of plate 92. This embodiment also makes it possible to remove plate 92 in a controlled manner, since bead 92B and cavity 34 allow compensating for the withdrawal of projection 92A from hole 34.

The user can then remove pan 4 as described with reference to FIG. 22 , by means of gripping area 91.

FIGS. 24A to 24C illustrate another embodiment of the gripping system.

In this embodiment, insert 3 may be arranged so that the recess of insert 3 has two levels of depth, for example due to a stepped geometry of bottom wall 30 of insert 3. As in the other options, insert 3 may be made integral to base 2, in particular axially fixed so that side wall 3 a of insert 3 extends in an annular manner around its central axis Z1 (which can also be a longitudinal axis of base 2). In some variants, such recess arrangement may be included in the base, using a partition wall structure.

Pan 4 can rest at a first height h1 from bottom wall P2 of base 2, which is for example the height adapted so that the user can have easy access to cosmetic product 41. Pan 4 is received in receiving space 31, extending transversely/perpendicularly to central axis Z1 of side wall 3 a at first height h1. First height h1 may depend on the size of pan 4, in particular on its height H4, and may vary in order to guarantee ease of use for the user. The insert or similar part (providing an interior partition wall) defines a sub-cavity C30 in receiving space 31. Optionally, sub-cavity C30 can make it possible to define a second height h2, smaller than first height h1, for a support zone which pan 4 can bear against axially, here against bottom wall 30 of insert 3 in the case of FIG. 24C.

Insert 3 may also have a protrusion 23 cooperating with an edge of pan 4, as shown in FIG. 24B. Protrusion 23 is provided here on the side wall, at height h1. Alternatively, any type of abutment or member for supporting pan 4 from the bottom may be suitable. Protrusion 23 serves to hold pan 4 at height h1 when it is received in receiving space 31, without extending beyond upper opening O at the top.

In an alternative embodiment, sub-cavity C30 may be delimited directly by an interior portion of base 2. More broadly, interior partitioning may be obtained in different ways, if necessary by assembling several parts, possibly superposed. It is thus not necessary for peripheral edge 32 and the delimiting portion around the pan and under the pan to be made as one part constituting an insert 3.

When the user wishes to change or refill pan 4, the user can exert pressure on pan 4 (which may be empty), on the side where pan 4 is held by protrusion 23. The pressure from the user then causes a rocking movement so that a portion of pan 4 drops into sub-cavity C30, for example to second height h2. This results from the off-centered position of sub-cavity C30 whose outlet (upward/axially) is an upper opening defined by the end edge of the support portion formed at height h1. The rocking movement is such that pan 4 can bear against the end edge, as shown in FIG. 24C, or at least be tilted so as to rise on the side opposite to sub-cavity C30. The other portion of pan 4 is then disengaged (raised) out of receiving space 31. The user can then grasp pan 4 easily, as shown in FIG. 24C. This option typically can allow eliminating or for example minimizing the depressions, which can also allow eliminating a part such as plate 92.

FIGS. 25A and 25B illustrate an alternative embodiment of pan gripping system 4.

With this type of embodiment, lower surface 21 of base 2 may be annular, with a central opening 20 in bottom wall P2. Similarly, the recess of insert 3 which forms receiving space 31 is axially open from below. A plate 95, movable inside annular wall 3 a, is provided to cover/close off opening O3 of receiving space 31 of insert 3, here by engaging from above with an annular seating area formed in an inner annular radial portion of insert 3. A push button 96 is provided to cover/close off opening 20 of bottom wall P2 of base 2. Pan 4 is mounted on plate 95, resting axially on said plate. Plate 95 and push button 96 cooperate, for example by being integrally secured to each other axially in order to move as one piece, parallel to central axis Z1. A spring 97 or similar return member may also be provided between plate 95 and push button 96, in order to facilitate the return (by default or not) to a configuration of closing off respective openings 20 and O3.

In the closed position, illustrated in FIG. 25A, spring 97 is in a relaxed state. When container 1 is configured with lid 5 in the open position, according to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 25B, and the user wishes to have access to pan 4 in order to replace it or refill it with cosmetic product, the user can press upwards on push button 96 (towards the interior of container 1). This exerts pressure on spring 97 and causes push button 96 and plate 95 to move upwards, so that pan 4 exits through upper opening O and is accessible. Spring 97 has an upper fixed portion, here resting on an internal edge of the insert, which serves to support pan 4 from the bottom. Spring 97 may be of the bistable type, so that a second press on push button 96 allows canceling the action of the first press, i.e. returning spring 97 to its initial relaxed state.

Insert 3 is mounted in a suitable manner in base 2, preferably without being able to come out of inside volume V. An interior projection, generally annular, may be provided in outer bottom wall P2 of container 1, optionally with slits in the projection to facilitate an elastic interlocking effect by at least one rib or annular bead, here projecting radially towards central axis Z1, in order to retain a projecting complementary relief provided at the bottom of side wall 3 a of insert 3. This allows axial retention of insert 3.

FIGS. 26A to 27B illustrate another alternative embodiment of pan gripping system 4.

Advantageously, this variant can be applied to embodiments using an opening/closing system with a rod 61, spring 71, or similar return member able to urge lid 5 towards the closed position, and a guide or portion that is in the rod, for example a flat ring 64, associated with a lower end of rod 61.

As is more particularly visible in FIGS. 27A and 27B, flat ring 64 or similar guide member integral to rod 61 may include a cam 64A, here on its periphery. Insert 3 corresponds to an assembly of at least two parts, one of which forms side wall 3 a and at least one other forms part of bottom wall 30 of insert 3, which is movable, serving to support pan 4 from below. A movable portion is thus formed in the bottom of insert 3, this part being a cam follower 98 coupled to cam 64A at one end of this movable portion which is proximal to rod 61. Cam follower 98 here is maintained in insert 3 and supported by bottom wall P2 of base 2, for example by means of at least two feet 98A.

It may be provided that the different parts 98A, 98B, and 98C, as well as the feet 98A, are formed into a block or preassembled unit.

Cam follower 98 is also facing, here opposite its end proximal to rod 61, a support section 98C for pan 4 which is part of insert 3. Cam follower 98 has a flat portion 98B coplanar with a complementary portion of section 98C, such that the axial support of pan 4 on insert 3 can be distributed over the two elements 98B and 98C, on a substantially flat surface. More generally, pan 4 is typically placed on the two sections 98B, 98C. Cam follower 98 may be movable relative to section 98C. A foot 98A supports element 98C which may further be attached to side wall 3 a, in order to form a fixed portion in container 1.

The two parts 98B, 98C are interconnected by a hinge 98D. Hinge 98D is more particularly visible in FIGS. 27A and 27B, which illustrate cam follower 98 as viewed from above. Hinge 98D is formed by two arms, each respectively connected to a branch or part 98B, 98C. The two arms may be connected to a respective foot 98A of parts 98B, 98C, such that hinge 98D can be axially offset downwards relative to parts 98B, 98C in contact with the bottom of pan 4. The two arms come together and form an elbow. Advantageously, hinge 98D is made of an elastically deformable material, such that the two arms can approach each other when a force is applied to one of the two arms, and return to the normal state when the force is no longer applied. Part 98B is movable in a general radial direction (for example direction X, from back to front), perpendicular to central axis Z1.

Insert 3 here has a cavity C30′ making it possible to accommodate the gripping system, in particular cam follower 98, knowing that cam 64A may be arranged both within a recess of a guide associated with the rod and partially in cavity C30′, at least for engaging cam follower 98.

The operation of the gripping system according to this variant is explained below.

FIG. 26B illustrates container 1 with lid 5 in the open position, here rotated 180°. Rod 61 has executed the movements of rotation and of transverse displacement relative to bottom wall P2 or lower surface 21 of base 2 as described above. In the open position, flat ring 64 or a similar member forming cam 64A is located opposite the first arm constituting section 98B. In one exemplary embodiment, rod 61 has rotated 180°, here so that upper opening O of the container is completely accessible.

If the user wishes to have access to pan 4 in order to replace or refill it, the user can push on lid 5 so as to continue the rotation beyond 180°.

By doing so, the cam 64A of flat ring 64 or a similar member carried by rod 61 (and integral in rotation with the rod) comes into contact with the end (proximal to rod 61) of first branch 98B (FIGS. 26C and 27B). Cam 64A applies a force to first branch 98B to push it forward, illustrated by arrow F in FIG. 26C. First branch 98B then comes into contact with second branch 98C. An incline is provided in the area of interface between branches 98B and 98C, to facilitate/cause the branches to overlap with one rising above the other. Advantageously, the end of first branch 98B, which is distal from the rod and able to come into contact with second branch 98B, can be inclined, so that first branch 98B comes over the top of second branch 98C. As can be seen in FIG. 27B, this is possible due to the deformation of hinge 98D, during which the two arms approach each other. Branch 98C may also have a chamfer facing branch 98B, which facilitates the rising of first branch 98B on the upper face of second branch 98C.

Pan 4, which had been installed on the two branches 98B, 98C, is then raised due to first branch 98B coming over the top of second branch 98C. Pan 4 protrudes axially at upper opening O in a pronounced manner and is then accessible by the user.

In some embodiments, peripheral wall 22 may form the outer side face of a closure member 8 (cap for a vial/bottle for example; see in FIG. 28 ) or, alternatively, be part of an outer casing of such a closure member 8.

Container 1, whether or not its external shape is cylindrical, may constitute all or part of a cap or comparable closure member 8 for closing off an opening 7 of a receptacle 80 for cosmetic product or of any packaging assembly that is of larger volume than container 1. Receptacle 80 has a body 80 c whose side wall extends upwards from a bottom 80 a, it being possible for opening 7 to be formed on the top of receptacle 80, for example at a neck or mouth 80 b.

An attachment region RF may be provided in the cap 8 in order to allow its removable attachment on an outer side face of neck 80 b, the attachment preferably being actuated by rotation about an axis of receptacle 80 which may be coincident with central axis Z1. An oblong or non-circular shape of cap 8 may be adopted in certain embodiments.

Lid 5 may optionally be offset radially inwards by a certain distance, for example greater than 3 mm, relative to a grippable side portion of the cap, which may make it possible to avoid interference between the connection/disconnection of cap 8 on its receptacle and the force or thrust to be exerted on lid 5 in order to obtain the opening of container 1. Optionally, cap 8 has a closure portion and a gripping portion which are part of a sub-assembly of cap 8 which is detachable from container 1, for example forming a recess or insertion slot L for container 1. Receptacle 80 can thus remain closed when container 1 is extracted for use, where appropriate for use on the go.

In the mounted position on main receptacle 80 or parent receptacle, container 1 can form a child receptacle which is mounted on the closure portion of parent receptacle 80 by means of an interface piece. The two receptacles 1, 80 are separable and independent of each other. In the disassembled position, the two receptacles 1, 80 may each be closed off using independent caps or lids. In a preferred embodiment, the interface piece may form the attachment region RF. Optionally, lid 5 of the child receptacle or container is itself covered by the interface piece, where appropriate by positioning container 1 upside down with lid 5 as the part of container 1 closest to opening 7.

This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above solely by way of example, but encompasses all variants conceivable to those skilled in the art within the framework of the protection sought. For example, a base 2 has been described that is created as a single piece forming an external decorative covering for container 1. In some variants, base 2 may result from the assembly of two shells or complementary parts, possibly attached in an undetachable manner. 

1. A refillable container for cosmetic product, comprising: a base provided with a peripheral wall which defines an inside volume by extending in a longitudinal direction from a bottom to an open top of the container, a pan containing the product, housed entirely within a receiving space which is a sub-space of the inside volume, an insert provided with a side wall defining the receiving space for the pan, and also provided with a peripheral edge, the insert mounted in the inside volume providing a recess, with the product being accessible only through an upper opening of the insert surrounded by the peripheral edge which extends radially outwards from an upper end of the side wall, a lid, movable relative to the base and to the insert between a closed position, in which the lid prevents access to the cosmetic product by closing off the upper opening, and an open position, in which the cosmetic product is accessible via the upper opening; an opening/closing system, arranged entirely within the inside volume at least in the closed position, and able to cause the lid to transition between the open position and the closed position; and within the inside volume, at least one additional recess or cavity of the insert provided adjacent to the receiving space and configured for forming and/or housing a pan gripping system, which allows removal of the pan from the receiving space when the lid is in the open position, whereby the pan is removably fixed in the insert while being selectively removable, axially via the open top of the container.
 2. The container according to claim 1, wherein the at least one at least one additional recess or cavity entirely or partly extends below the pan to house a contacting surface onto which the pan can rest while being displaced upwardly, whereby the displaced pan can axially rest on the contacting surface with at least a part of the side wall of the pan being raised relative to the receiving space.
 3. The container according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral edge is annular and extends radially from the upper end of the side wall to the peripheral wall of the base, the peripheral edge having an annular upper surface that inclines upwards, preferably continuously, from an inner circumference of the peripheral edge which is adjacent to an upper edge of the side wall of the pan, such that: the pan is fully embedded in the insert, without protruding axially upwards beyond the upper surface of the peripheral edge; and the lid in the closed position is retained, by a restraint system, within the inside volume, pressing axially on the upper surface.
 4. The container according to claim 3, wherein the annular upper surface is formed by a masking plate, removable relative to a fixed portion of the insert which comprises the side wall, the gripping system extending entirely under the plate.
 5. The container according to claim 4, wherein the fixed portion of the insert has one or more axial depressions, constituting the at least one additional recess or cavity, and wherein the plate closes off the axial outlet at top of each of the depressions, each depression being: formed in the peripheral edge and accessible from above in order to form a gripping area that is part of the pan gripping system, and arranged to have its outlet lead radially inwards, opening into the receiving space so that the side wall of the pan is accessible via the corresponding gripping area when the lid is in the open position.
 6. The container according to claim 4, wherein the masking plate has an opening of the same diameter as a diameter of the side wall of the pan, so as to axially cover the side wall of the pan from above.
 7. The container according to claim 4, wherein the fixed portion of the insert includes a rigid flange of the insert, of annular shape, the masking plate being reversibly fixed to the flange by a protrusion configured to be clipped into a hole of the flange.
 8. The container according to claim 7, wherein the masking plate also includes an additional retaining member in the form of a bead, cooperating with a cavity of the insert arranged away from the hole.
 9. A refillable container for cosmetic product, comprising: a base provided with a peripheral wall which defines an inside volume by extending in a longitudinal direction from a bottom to an open top of the container, a pan containing the product, housed entirely within a receiving space which is a sub-space of the inside volume, a side wall defining the receiving space for the pan, a peripheral edge, the product being accessible only through an upper opening surrounded by the peripheral edge which extends radially outwards from an upper end of the side wall, a lid, movable relative to the base and to the peripheral edge between a closed position, in which the lid prevents access to the cosmetic product by closing off the opening upper, and an open position, in which the cosmetic product is accessible via the upper opening; an opening/closing system, arranged entirely within the inside volume at least in the closed position, and able to cause the lid to transition between the open position and the closed position; and within the inside volume, at least one recess or cavity provided adjacent to the receiving space and suitable for forming and/or housing a pan gripping system, which allows removal of the pan from the receiving space when the lid is in the open position, whereby the pan is removably fixed in a receiving portion including the side wall while being selectively removable, axially via the open top of the container.
 10. The container according to claim 9, wherein the receiving portion forms an insert which has one or more axial depressions, constituting the at least one additional recess or cavity, each depression being: formed in the peripheral edge and accessible from above in order to form a gripping area that is part of the pan gripping system, and arranged to have its outlet lead radially inwards, opening into the receiving space so that the side wall of the pan is accessible via the corresponding gripping area when the lid is in the open position.
 11. The container according to claim 9, wherein the pan is configured to rest, opposite to the upper opening, on a support portion that is part of the receiving portion, at a first distance from a bottom wall of the container, the side wall of the pan being parallel to the side wall, and wherein the at least one additional recess or cavity of the receiving portion includes a sub-cavity in the receiving space, said sub-cavity being off-center under the pan and opening upwardly at an upper outlet defined by an end edge of the support portion, such that the pan is able to engage in the sub-cavity in order to tilt with a lowering of a first portion of the pan at the sub-cavity side and a simultaneous raising of a second portion of the pan that is opposite to the first portion.
 12. The container according to claim 11, wherein the pan is held at the first distance from the bottom wall of the container by a supporting internal edge or protrusion provided on the side wall so as to protrude internally at said upper outlet of the sub-cavity and/or located at the same first distance from the bottom wall of the container as the support portion.
 13. The container according to claim 1, wherein the insert has a through-hole, opening onto a bottom of the container on the one hand and into said receiving space on the other hand, and wherein the gripping system is housed in the through-hole and is movably mounted in the insert to enable the pan to be moved towards a raised position relative to the insert, the gripping system having a movable support operable by a pusher member so as to support the pan from below, the pusher member being accessible via the bottom of the container and operable by a first driving force to allow raising the pan above the upper opening.
 14. The container according to claim 13, wherein the gripping system further comprises a return member, preferably a bistable spring, interposed between: the pusher member which forms an external bottom surface of the container, and a plate constituting the movable support, the return member comprising a fixed portion resting on an axial abutment that is part of the insert, which is fixed in the base, wherein the gripping system has an initial position, preferably offset downwards relative to the receiving space, in which the pan is not accessible from above, the return member including a movable portion urging the pusher member towards the lower outlet of the through-hole, and wherein the push member is configured to: in response to a first upward press, cause the plate to rise so that the pan is accessible; in response to a second upward press on the pusher member, reposition the gripping system in the initial position.
 15. The container according to claim 9, wherein the base has a through-hole, opening downwardly on the one hand and into said receiving space on the other hand, wherein the gripping system is housed in the through-hole and is movably mounted in the receiving portion to enable the pan to be moved towards a raised position relative to the receiving portion, the gripping system having a movable support operable by a pusher member so as to support and/or push the pan from below, the pusher member being accessible via the bottom of the container and operable by a first driving force to allow raising the pan above the upper opening, and wherein the push member is configured to: in response to a first upward press from below, cause the movable support to rise so that the pan is accessible; in response to a second upward press on the pusher member, from below, reposition the gripping system in the initial position with the movable support lowered.
 16. The container according to claim 1, wherein the lid comprises a rod integral with the lid and which defines an axis, the rod being received through a hole in the peripheral edge, and wherein, in the open position, the lid and the rod are able to be rotated about the axis, which is an axis of rotation of the lid, and wherein the gripping system comprises: a lower cavity placed directly under the receiving space and an internal opening of the insert which places the lower cavity in communication with the receiving space, a guide edge which delimits part of the internal opening, the guide edge being part of the insert while being fixed relative to the base, a cam carried by the rod and integral in rotation with the lid, a cam follower arranged in the internal opening of the insert and configured to move transversely to the rod in order to overlap the guide edge and enter the receiving space, opposite to the upper opening, when engaged by the cam, whereby at least a portion of the side wall of the pan is raised out of the receiving space, the cam being designed and arranged to engage against and push the cam follower when the lid is within an angular sector opposite to or at least offset by more than 90° relative to the closed position of the lid.
 17. The container according to claim 16, wherein the pan rests on two sections or branches of the gripping system, with: a first branch being part of the cam follower; a second branch being part of or made integral with a fixed portion of the insert and including the guide edge, the first branch and the second branch being interconnected by an elastically deformable hinge that extends into the inside volume under the receiving space; and wherein an incline is provided on at least one amongst the first branch and the second branch, to guide the cam follower along a rising path.
 18. The container according to claim 1, comprising a sealing system preventing the cosmetic product from coming into contact with an external environment when the lid is in the closed position, by forming an annular sealing contact against and/or adjacent to an upper surface of the peripheral edge which is an annular surface that inclines upwards from an inner circumference of the peripheral edge until reaching a top of the peripheral wall.
 19. The container according to claim 9, comprising a sealing system preventing the cosmetic product from coming into contact with an external environment when the lid is in the closed position, by forming an annular sealing contact against and/or adjacent to an upper surface of the peripheral edge which is an annular surface that inclines upwards from an inner circumference of the peripheral edge until reaching a top of the peripheral wall.
 20. The container according to claim 9, wherein the side wall extends annularly around a central axis and joins the peripheral edge at the upper end which defines the upper opening and which extends entirely into the inside volume, and wherein the opening/closing system comprises a rod integral with the lid and received through a hole of the peripheral edge, the rod being configured to guide the movement of the lid above the peripheral edge. 